Shortly after arriving in Spain, getting the A2 certificate is an almost unavoidable hurdle for anyone looking to obtain long-term residency or citizenship. Taking a course is certainly easier, but for those who want to save some money and have a flexible schedule, self-study is completely feasible! I passed on my first try through self-study alone, and today I’m sharing my preparation tips to help everyone who’s on the same journey.
For A2 Prep, Choosing the Right Textbooks is Half the Battle
There are countless textbooks on the market, but for me, the most crucial ones are the official prep books. I primarily used the following:
- El Cronómetro - Edición Nuevo DELE A2: This book is a must-have for almost everyone. Its strength lies in strictly following the exam structure, and the mock exams are very realistic. I highly recommend going through this book at least twice, especially for the listening and speaking sections, which require repeated practice.
- Preparación al DELE A2: This is an excellent supplementary resource. The exercises and vocabulary summaries inside are very practical. You can use it for targeted improvement; for instance, if you feel your reading is weak, you can do more of the reading exercises in this book.
Besides textbooks, mobile apps are also a great help. I downloaded a few vocabulary apps and used my spare moments—on the metro, waiting for people—to learn 20 new words a day. Over time, my vocabulary grew significantly.
Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing: A Section-by-Section Breakdown
The A2 exam is divided into four parts, and you need to pass each one. My strategy was to play to my strengths while tackling my weaknesses: secure the sections I was confident in first, then focus intensely on the weaker ones.
- Reading : The A2 reading section isn’t difficult; it mostly involves everyday materials like emails, ads, and notices. The key is to quickly locate information. When doing practice tests, get into the habit of reading the questions first and then going back to the text to find the answers. This can save a lot of time.
- Listening : This is a pain point for many. There’s no shortcut—you just have to listen a lot. Besides drilling mock exams for the Spanish A2, I would also listen to slow-paced Spanish news broadcasts or watch children’s cartoons with Spanish subtitles. The key is to create a language environment and get your ears accustomed to the sounds.
- Writing : The writing section follows a set pattern. You’ll typically be asked to write an email, a short note, or a brief composition. It’s essential to have your own templates ready! For example, memorize standard openings and closings for letters, as well as common connecting words. During the exam, you can just fill in the content, which helps secure a baseline score.
- Speaking : Don’t be afraid of the speaking test; the examiners are usually very nice. Tarea 1 involves describing a picture, so prepare vocabulary for describing people’s appearance, clothing, actions, and surroundings beforehand. Tarea 2 is a conversation. Before the exam, find a language partner or practice in front of a mirror to familiarize yourself with common topics like introducing your hometown, your hobbies, or your weekend plans. Fluency is more important than perfect grammar, so speak boldly!
My Study Schedule
Everyone’s starting point is different. I had a basic A1 foundation and spent two months studying full-time. Here is a sample schedule for DELE A2 exam prep that you can adjust to your own needs.
| Prep Stage | Main Task | Daily Study Time |
|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | Focus on ‘El Cronómetro’, get familiar with exam format, memorize core vocabulary | 2-3 hours |
| Weeks 5-6 | Targeted practice, drill ‘Preparación al DELE A2’, work on weak areas | 3-4 hours |
| Week 7 | Mock exams, complete full practice tests under timed conditions | 2 hours |
| Week 8 | Review mistakes, prepare speaking templates, get in the right mindset | 1-2 hours |
The A2 exam tests your basic survival Spanish skills, so don’t overthink it or imagine it’s too difficult. The most important thing is consistency—engage with Spanish every day, even if it’s just for half an hour. I wish you all the best in passing your self-studying Spanish exam and getting your certificate! ¡Ánimo a todos!
