I moved to Spain not long ago and language was a constant struggle. I recently passed the DELE B1, which feels like a huge step forward in my life here. Seeing many friends on the forum also struggling with Spanish, I decided to write this post to share my journey as a self-taught learner. My method might not work for everyone, but I hope my experience with the DELE B1 can be of some help to you!
My Three-Stage Self-Study Plan
The A1-A2 Stage: This was the most tedious but also the most crucial part of self-studying for DELE B1. I primarily used the ‘Modern Spanish’ textbook series. It might be a bit dated, but it explains the grammar system very clearly. I forced myself to learn 30 new words every day using Anki for spaced repetition, which was incredibly effective. The goal during this stage is to master the basic grammar and high-frequency vocabulary. Don’t worry about being slow; the key is to be consistent every day.
The B1 Preparation Stage: Once I felt I had a solid foundation, I switched to an ‘immersion’ approach. For listening, I listened to the news broadcast on RTVE every day. At first, it sounded like gibberish, but after a month of persistence, I could start catching keywords. For reading, I found some children’s books and news websites with a moderate difficulty level. The main focus at this stage is to get used to the context and expressions of the Spanish language, rather than getting stuck on every single word.
All About Prepping for the DELE B1 Exam
In the final stretch before the exam, I switched to a dedicated prep book, ‘Preparación al DELE B1’. Its structure is very similar to the actual exam, so it’s essential to complete all the exercises. Speaking and writing are the biggest hurdles when self-studying for the Spanish B1 level. My solution was to find a language partner. I used language exchange apps to find native Spanish speakers to chat with once or twice a week. It was nerve-wracking at first, but my speaking skills improved rapidly. For writing, it’s all about practice. I wrote several essays for each type of prompt and shamelessly asked my language partners to correct them, which was incredibly helpful.
Some Tools I Used
| Tool Type | Recommendation | Brief Description |
|---|
| Dictionary Apps | SpanishDict, WordReference | Accurate definitions, plenty of example sentences. WR also has forums where native speakers discuss usage. |
| Memorization Software | Anki | Flashcard-based system that uses spaced repetition. A lifesaver for vocabulary. |
| Listening Material | RTVE Play, Podcast “Hoy en El País” | News-based content is fast-paced but authentic. Great for advanced learners. |
| Language Exchange | Tandem, HelloTalk | You can find many patient native speakers to practice your speaking and writing skills. |
Self-studying Spanish is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience and persistence are more important than anything. Don’t give up because you’ve hit a plateau. I went from only knowing ‘Hola’ to being able to chat comfortably about the weather with my neighbors. The journey was tough, but the sense of accomplishment is immense. Feel free to share your own learning methods or ask any questions below! ¡Ánimo a todos!
