I’ve just moved to Spain, and while the environment forces me to listen to Spanish every day, I feel like my language skills are very broken and unsystematic, with tons of pronunciation and grammar mistakes. I decided to get serious about self-studying, but when I went to a bookstore, the sheer number of textbook options was overwhelming. After some research and trial and error, I want to share a few textbooks that I’ve used or that friends have highly recommended. I hope this helps others on the same self-study journey.
A Review of Mainstream Textbooks
Spanish textbooks on the market are generally divided into several major series, each with its own focus. For adults, choosing a textbook that is logically structured and practical is crucial. Those cartoonish textbooks for children, while cute, have scattered learning points and aren’t suitable for quickly building a solid grammatical framework.
Recommended Series
1. The Aula Internacional Plus Series
This series is arguably one of the most mainstream choices for language schools both in Spain and internationally. Its advantages are very clear:
- Up-to-date content: The topics are very relevant to modern life, such as renting an apartment, traveling, and social media, so you can use what you learn immediately.
- Balanced focus on all four skills: The structure of each unit is clear, and the exercises are well-balanced, ensuring no single skill (listening, speaking, reading, or writing) is neglected.
- Rich supplementary resources: It comes with a student’s book, a workbook, and the official website provides audio and video materials for self-studying Spanish, making it very convenient for independent learners.
The downside is that the grammar explanations are a bit scattered, so you might need to consolidate them yourself or use it alongside a dedicated grammar book. However, this drawback doesn’t overshadow its strengths, making it a top choice as a primary textbook.
2. The Nuevo Prisma Series
This is a series more focused on exam preparation. If you plan to take the DELE exam, this is a surefire choice. Its grammar system is explained very clearly and systematically, with the grammar points in each lesson well-summarized. Compared to Aula, it might be slightly less engaging, and the content leans more towards formal and written Spanish. My personal recommendation is to use Nuevo Prisma as a supplement to Aula, specifically for tackling difficult grammar points.
| Textbook Series | Focus | Best for |
|---|
| Aula Internacional Plus | Daily communication, practical application of listening and speaking | Beginners seeking practicality and wanting to start speaking quickly |
| Nuevo Prisma | Grammar system, exam preparation | Learners preparing for DELE or wanting a solid grammatical foundation |
There’s no single best textbook, only the one that’s best for you. My advice is, if you’re just starting out, the Aula series is a no-brainer. Start with A1 and work your way through the books one by one. When you feel that grammar is becoming a challenge, get a supplementary grammar book, like a ‘Complete Guide to Spanish Grammar with Exercises’, to aid your self-study of Spanish. Does anyone else have other great textbook recommendations? Feel free to share and discuss below!
