DELE · DELE A1–A2 Vocabulary · India
DELE A1–A2 Vocabulary for the DELE Exam — Indian candidates
10% of the DELE test plan. Core Spanish vocabulary for DELE A1 and A2: greetings, numbers, family, food, daily routine, and basic descriptions. Calibrated for Indian candidates.
For candidates aiming to clear this exam on the first attempt, the difference between Band 6 and Band 7+ — or "passing" and "comfortable margin" — usually comes down to fluency on a small number of high-leverage topics. DELE A1–A2 Vocabulary sits at roughly 10% of the Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language content distribution — DELE A1 and A2 test survival and basic communication Spanish. The vocabulary required includes personal information, family, daily routine, shopping, transport, and food. These words form the foundation for all higher DELE levels and must be known with correct gender and number agreement. Pass rates for the DELE are published annually by the awarding body and vary by cohort and locale. For Indian candidates preparing for DELE, the calibration of study to local context matters: India is the world's largest single-country exam market. Most national exams (JEE, NEET, GATE, CUET) are conducted by NTA in English plus regional language editions.
Common failure modes
These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.
- !Gender agreement errors: confusing masculine/feminine for nouns (el/la, un/una)
- !Not learning vocabulary with its article — gender is part of the word in Spanish
- !Confusing ser and estar (both mean "to be" but have different uses)
Study tips
- 1Always learn nouns with their article: "el libro" not just "libro" — gender is part of the word.
- 2Study ser vs estar thoroughly: ser = permanent/inherent qualities; estar = states, locations, temporary conditions.
- 3Use the Instituto Cervantes A1–A2 vocabulary guide as your reference list.
- 4For candidates in India, DELE test windows are typically denser in the spring; book test centres in metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata) early to secure preferred dates.
Sample DELE DELE A1–A2 Vocabulary questions
These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real DELE questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.
- 1
Complete: "Mi hermana _____ médica." (My sister is a doctor.)
- Aestá
- BesCorrect
- Ctiene
- Dhace
Why this answer?
"Es" (from ser) is correct for professions/occupations — these are considered defining characteristics. "Está" (from estar) is used for temporary states and locations. In Spanish, professions are expressed with ser: "Es médica" = "She is a doctor."
- 2
Which phrase means "How old are you?" in Spanish?
- A¿Cuánto cuestas?
- B¿Cómo te llamas?
- C¿Cuántos años tienes?Correct
- D¿De dónde eres?
Why this answer?
"¿Cuántos años tienes?" literally means "How many years do you have?" — this is the standard way to ask about age in Spanish. "¿Cuánto cuestas?" = how much do you cost (inappropriate); "¿Cómo te llamas?" = what is your name; "¿De dónde eres?" = where are you from.
Frequently asked questions
Which DELE level should I start with if I am a complete beginner?
What is the DELE pass rate for Indian candidates?
How long should Indian candidates study DELE A1–A2 Vocabulary for the DELE?
Practice DELE free with Koydo.
A1 to C2 — Cervantes-aligned reading, listening, writing, speaking.
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