Hey guys, has anyone taken the DELE? I'm trying to figure out if I should take it and, if I do, what level. I looked at it today and the only horrible part about the nivel superior looks to be the idioms, I have no idea how I would ever know them all. But just wondering if anyone has any info, taken it, advice, etc. Thanks, Joy

Joy,

There are many language schools in Spain that help tp prepare you for the DELE. I know of

http://www.donquijote.com

as there are plenty of others. You will learn idioms by intensive study and reading the newspaper and talking to people in Madrid. Look at the idioms as just more vocabulary study.

I say take the DELE. It can't hurt and look at everything that you do in life as a learning experience. That's why I stay so positive.

Un beso,

Shawn

Thanks Shawn! You're totally right, as usual! That entire website is really cool! Word of the day, good times. hahaha. I think I will be taking it either next Nov or May, becuase I already have a long standardized test this May on the day that it's being offered here! hahah. oh well! Thank you for the tip! Besos, Joy

Joy, Shawn,
What is the DELE?

Well Ms. Booklady, it's kind of like the Spanish equivalent to the TOEFL, like it proves that whoever takes it has a certain level of proficiency in the Spanish language. Here's a site that explains somewhat:

http://cvc.cervantes.es/aula/dele/

Thanks, Joy. But I don't know why you are concerned with idioms, you will ace it!

I've signed up for the intermediate diploma which I'll sit in May. From the past papers I've seen it doesn't look too bad but I'm slightly worried about the listening tests and the fact that you have to speak to a panel for 10-15 mins - my weakest areas.

Know what you mean about the listening and speaking part of the tests - not my strength either.

Do you have the tape that goes with the DELE practice book which gives some of the past papers and listening tests? They do help, or atleast allow for getting the ear tuned in.

Louise

Louise, I don't have the book or the tape - just relying on reading, studying and listening to as much Spanish as possble. The thing is I'm all right when Spanish is spoken at a measured pace but speed it up and I get a bit lost.

I have one idea that may help you prepare for the listening comprehension portion of the DELE.

Listen to Radio Nacional de Espa�a as often as possible. Many of the comprehension passages come from actual news broadcats.

Cheers

While the conversation about the DELE exams is taking place, I wondered if anybody could help me.

After having lived in Spain for a couple of years I am pretty much fluent in Spanish although on paper I only have GCSE (which is a small exam you do in the UK when you are 16), obviously I would like to have something a little more advanced to actually put on my CV. I don't know which route to take though, as I am living and working in London, so the choices are 'A' Level, degree or DELE. I would rather not do a degree as it is for 3 years and expensive.
Is there anybody out there who knows about the English education system and would be able to offer me advice on what to do. I think I basically need to know whether the DELE is of any use if you aren't living in Spain and which qualification would look best on my CV for work in both England and Spain.

I hope there is somebody out there who can help me as I am a little confused !
Many thanks

Hey all, coming in late here after my vaca to USA but great thread idea!!!

I know learning is always good but I am not convinced that a piece of paper that says you have a cewrtain level is absolutely necessary.

Live and learn but don't base your preparedness on what a slice of paper says, lif is not that simple.

Ok, off my tangent. As Redwood says, many schoold offer a DELE prep course and just like any other "title", they will prep you to do your best.

Rucita1978, you stated...

quote:

I would like to have something a little more advanced to actually put on my CV.

Ok, so if you are confident about your level of Spanish, put the DELE on your C.V. even if you have not taken the exam. Seriously, it is my experience that nobody (especially here in Spain) will ask for proof that you really have it. Do not just do it for the piece of paper.

Ena graduated college here 5 years ago and she studied "Im�gen y Sonido" (Media). She has been working the last 4 years at a major TV station here and has never been asked for her Diploma or proof of her degree... The proof is in the pudding!!! In fact, she just picked up her official degree certificate a few weeks ago

En fin, do it for yourself if you like but not for the silly piece of paper.

Saludos,
jer...

I did the Dele intermedio in London on Saturday.....went OK apart from the composition paper which I think I mucked up as I didn't really practice much for that part of the exam. However, I'll know how I did in a couple of months when our marks are sent out from Salamanca. If I pass, I may move on the the Superior.

Congrats Larry!!!

Saludos,
jer...

Thanks Jer. I noted that I can do the diploma de nivel superior in Madrid.... another excuse to visit Spain!