DELE · 10% of test plan
DELE Written Expression for the DELE Exam
DELE Written Expression tests production across different text types, registers, and purposes. At A2–B1, candidates write personal emails and simple reports. At B2–C2, formal letters, analytical essays, summaries, and complex texts are required. Format adherence and register accuracy are part of the mark.
Locale-specific study guides
Pass-rate data, regulatory context, and study tips for DELE Written Expression all change by candidate locale. Pick your context:
- DELE Written Expression · United StatesCalibrated for American candidates
- DELE Written Expression · United KingdomCalibrated for British candidates
- DELE Written Expression · IndiaCalibrated for Indian candidates
- DELE Written Expression · PhilippinesCalibrated for Filipino candidates
- DELE Written Expression · NigeriaCalibrated for Nigerian candidates
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.
- !Not meeting the minimum word count — DELE writing tasks have specified length requirements
- !Wrong register — writing an informal text when a formal one is required
- !Not including all required content points — missing a required element loses marks even if the language is good
Study tips
- 1Learn the format for each writing type: formal letter layout, email conventions, essay structure, summary technique.
- 2After writing, verify: correct format? correct register? all required content? minimum word count?
- 3Build a list of formal Spanish letter phrases: "Me dirijo a usted para...", "En espera de su respuesta...", "Atentamente...".
Sample DELE DELE Written Expression questions
These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real DELE questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.
- 1
A DELE B2 task asks you to write a formal letter of complaint. The salutation should be:
- AHola,
- BQuerido amigo,
- CEstimado/a Sr./Sra. [apellido]:Correct
- DHey,
Why this answer?
"Estimado/a Sr./Sra. [apellido]:" is the correct formal Spanish salutation for a business/complaint letter to a named person. "Hola" and "Hey" are informal; "Querido amigo" is for personal correspondence. Formal Spanish letters use "Estimado/a" + title + surname + colon (not comma).
Practice DELE free with Koydo.
A1 to C2 — Cervantes-aligned reading, listening, writing, speaking.