Lately, I’ve seen a lot of discussions on forums about learning Spanish, especially concerning the A2 level. Many people are debating whether to sign up for a class or study on their own. As someone who just passed the DELE A2 through self-study, I want to share some of my insights to help those of you who might be feeling a bit lost. My conclusion is: With the right method, self-studying for A2 is totally achievable!
When I first arrived in Spain, my Spanish was practically non-existent. I relied on gestures and translation apps to communicate, and that feeling of being unable to get around was truly frustrating. Later, I was determined to overcome the language barrier. Considering my time and budget, I opted for self-study instead of a language school. It was tough at first, but after sticking with it, I realized that the grammar points and vocabulary for the A2 level are actually limited. It focuses more on the expressions we use most in daily life, like shopping, asking for directions, ordering food, and making simple introductions. These are exactly the scenarios we encounter every day, which makes Spain itself the best possible language-learning environment.
My preparation strategy was simple: a two-pronged approach of ‘input’ + ‘output.’ Input means accumulating as much as possible, and output means using it boldly.
Learning Resources and Methods
Input
- Textbooks: I used a classic textbook series, starting from A1 and working up to A2. The great thing about it was its clear structure, thorough grammar explanations, and abundance of exercises. I basically tackled one lesson per day and completed all the post-lesson exercises.
- Vocabulary: There are no shortcuts—it’s all about memorization. I used a mobile app to learn words during idle moments, like waiting for the bus or standing in line. The key is spaced repetition: words learned on day one should be reviewed on day three, day seven, and so on.
- Listening: This is a weak point for many. I recommend the YouTube channel “Español con Juan.” Juan speaks relatively slowly with clear pronunciation, and his content is interesting, making it perfect for A2-level practice. Watching children’s cartoons with Spanish subtitles, like the Spanish version of Peppa Pig, is also very helpful.
Output
- Speaking: This is the hardest part of self-study. My method was a bit “brute-force”: I memorized the dialogues from each textbook lesson and then practiced them by playing different roles. More importantly, you must push yourself to talk to locals! Force yourself to use Spanish when checking out at the supermarket or ordering at a café. It doesn’t matter if you make mistakes. Most Spaniards are very friendly and will help correct you; they might even be friendlier because you’re making an effort to speak Spanish.
- Writing: The writing requirements for the DELE A2 aren’t demanding; it’s usually about writing a simple email or a short note. I would write one or two short pieces a week based on textbook prompts and then check my own grammar and spelling. If you can, having a native Spanish-speaking friend review your Spanish A2 writing will help you improve very quickly.
I put together a simple A2 study plan for my DELE A2 prep, which you can adjust to fit your own schedule:
| Prep Stage | Daily Task | Key Focus |
|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | Study textbook, memorize core vocabulary | Master basic grammar, like present and past indicative tenses |
| Weeks 5-8 | Intensify listening practice, shadow speaking | Familiarize with common daily-life dialogues |
| Weeks 9-10 | Focus on speaking and writing exercises | Practice DELE A2 exam formats |
| Weeks 11-12 | Take full mock exams, identify and fill gaps | Manage time, adjust to the exam mindset |
Self-studying for Spanish A2 is not a test of intelligence, but of perseverance and method. As long as you can dedicate some time every day and dare to speak up while self-studying Spanish, you’ll find yourself improving much faster than you think. ¡Ánimo a todos!
