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DELE B1 — Grammar for the DELE Exam

DELE B1 introduces the subjunctive mood — the feature of Spanish grammar that most challenges non-native learners. The present subjunctive, past subjunctive, and the preterite vs imperfect distinction are all tested. Mastery of these distinguishes B1 from A2 candidates.

Locale-specific study guides

Pass-rate data, regulatory context, and study tips for DELE B1 — Grammar all change by candidate locale. Pick your context:

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.

!Using indicative instead of subjunctive after trigger expressions (quiero que..., es importante que...)
!Confusing preterite (specific past event) with imperfect (habitual past, description)
!Incorrect subjunctive formation — especially for stem-changing verbs

Study tips

1Learn the WEIRDO categories for subjunctive triggers: Wish, Emotion, Impersonal expressions, Recommendation, Doubt/Denial, Ojalá.
2Drill preterite vs imperfect with narrative exercises: use imperfect for descriptions/background, preterite for specific events.
3Create a subjunctive conjugation table and practise daily until formation is automatic.

Sample DELE DELE B1 — Grammar 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: "Espero que tú _____ tiempo mañana." (I hope you have time tomorrow.)
- Atienes
- BtengasCorrect
- Ctendrás
- Dtenías
Why this answer?
"Espero que" (I hope that) triggers the subjunctive. "Tengas" is the present subjunctive form of "tener" for "tú." "Tienes" is indicative (I know you have time); "tendrás" is future indicative; "tenías" is imperfect indicative. After expressions of desire, the subjunctive is required.

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