Updated in June 2026

DELE A1 Oral Expression — Introducing Yourself and Describing with Simple Sentences

The oral test of the DELE A1 lasts 10 minutes plus 10 minutes of prior preparation. It has 4 tasks: personal introduction, description of a photo, questions and answers with cards, and a brief conversation about your immediate surroundings.

This is the test that causes the most fear among candidates, but the level required is very low. You do not need to speak fluently or use complex structures. Short sentences in the present tense, basic vocabulary, and understandable pronunciation are enough.

Test Structure

Task 1: Personal Introduction

You have to talk about yourself for 1-2 minutes. You prepare this part during the previous 10 minutes with a sheet they give you.

Topics you should cover:

• Your name and where you are from
• Your age
• Where you live
• Your family
• Your job or studies
• What you like to do

Example of an introduction:

"My name is Ana. I am French, from Paris. I am 28 years old. I live in Madrid with my boyfriend. I work in a hospital, I am a nurse. In my free time, I like to read and walk in the park."

These are short sentences, all in the present tense, with A1 vocabulary. Enough for the maximum score in this task.

Task 2: Describe a Photograph

You are given a photo and you must say what you see. The photo shows an everyday scene: a family eating, a street with shops, a classroom, a market. You also prepare this task in the previous 10 minutes.

Structure to describe the photo:

• "In the photo, there is..." (people, objects, animals)
• "It is a..." (place)
• "The person is wearing..." (clothes, objects)
• "I think it is..." (time of day, season)

You do not need to invent a story. Describe what you see with simple sentences: "There are three people. They are in a restaurant. The woman is wearing a red dress. There is food on the table."

Task 3: Questions with Cards

The interviewer gives you cards with topics (food, home, family, schedules) and asks you simple questions. You also have cards to ask him questions.

Typical questions they ask you:

• "What time do you have breakfast?"
• "How many rooms does your house have?"
• "What do you usually eat?"
• "Do you have siblings?"

Questions you should ask (with help card):

• "Where do you live?"
• "Do you like to cook?"
• "What is your favorite color?"

Task 4: Brief Conversation

A short conversation with the interviewer about your immediate surroundings. They may ask you about your neighborhood, your Spanish class, your classmates, or your daily routine.

The interviewer adapts their level to yours. If you do not understand a question, you can say "Can you repeat, please?" without penalty. Respond with short and direct sentences.

What They Evaluate

• Communication: Do you convey basic information?
• Pronunciation: Is it understandable? (You do not need a perfect accent)
• Vocabulary: Do you use appropriate words for A1?
• Grammar: Do you conjugate verbs in the present? Do you use articles?
• Interaction: Do you respond to questions? Do you ask questions when it’s your turn?

How to Prepare

Practice Your Presentation

Write it down, memorize it, and repeat it aloud every day until it comes naturally. Record yourself with your phone and listen to yourself. It should last between 1 and 2 minutes.

Describe Photos Every Day

Open a magazine or search for photos online. Describe what you see for 2 minutes using "there is", "it is", "it has", "is wearing", "is". If you don’t know a word, describe it: "the thing for drinking coffee" instead of "cup".

Prepare Questions and Answers

Make a list of 20 basic questions (Where...? How many...? What...? At what time...?) and practice answering each one in 1-2 sentences.

Tips for Exam Day

• Make the most of the 10 minutes of preparation. Write notes (not complete sentences) for tasks 1 and 2.
• Speak slowly. Nervousness makes you speak quickly and make mistakes.
• If you don’t know a word, use a simpler one or describe what you want to say.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Don’t read your notes like a robot.
• If you make a mistake, correct it and continue. Examiners value self-correction.