Spanish Language Course (DELE A2)

Grammar Essentials

1. Present Tense (Presente de Indicativo)

Mastering the present tense is fundamental. It's used to describe habits, routines, general truths, and actions happening now.

Key points: Regular verbs (-ar, -er, -ir endings), irregular verbs (e.g., ser, estar, tener, ir, hacer), and stem-changing verbs (e.g., poder, querer, preferir).

Common exam questions involve filling in the blanks with the correct verb conjugation or forming sentences describing daily activities.

2. Past Tenses (Pretérito Perfecto, Pretérito Indefinido, Imperfecto)

Understanding how to describe past events is crucial. Each past tense has a specific use:

• Pretérito Perfecto (Present Perfect): Actions completed recently or with a connection to the present (e.g., "He comido" - I have eaten).
• Pretérito Indefinido (Simple Past): Completed actions in the past at a specific time (e.g., "Comí ayer" - I ate yesterday).
• Pretérito Imperfecto (Imperfect Past): Ongoing actions in the past, habits, descriptions, or background information (e.g., "Comía cuando me llamaste" - I was eating when you called me).

Exam questions often test the correct choice between these tenses based on context.

3. Future Tense (Futuro Simple)

Used for actions that will happen in the future. It's relatively simple as most verbs follow a regular pattern by adding endings to the infinitive form.

You might be asked to complete sentences about future plans or predictions.

4. Conditional Simple (Conditional Tense)

Used to express possibilities, desires, or make polite requests (e.g., "Me gustaría" - I would like). Formed by adding specific endings to the infinitive.

Focus on its use for polite requests and hypothetical situations.

5. Imperative (Commands)

Used to give orders or instructions. You'll need to know both affirmative and negative commands for informal ('tú') and formal ('usted/ustedes') forms.

Expect questions that require you to give instructions or advice.

6. Pronouns (Direct, Indirect, Reflexive)

Understanding pronouns is key to fluent conversation:

• Direct Object Pronouns (lo, la, los, las): Replace the direct object.
• Indirect Object Pronouns (le, les, me, te, nos, os): Indicate to whom or for whom an action is performed.
• Reflexive Pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se): Used with reflexive verbs where the subject and object are the same.

Exam questions often test correct placement and choice of pronouns.

7. Prepositions (a, de, en, con, para, por)

Prepositions like 'a', 'de', 'en', 'con', 'para', and 'por' are essential for linking words and phrases. Their usage can be tricky but is critical for accuracy.

Pay attention to common expressions and fixed phrases that use specific prepositions.

Communication Strategies

Beyond grammar and vocabulary, the exam assesses your ability to communicate effectively. Practice:

• Asking and giving information: For example, asking for directions, inquiring about prices.
• Expressing agreement and disagreement: Using phrases like "Estoy de acuerdo" or "No creo que...".
• Making suggestions and inviting: "Qué te parece si...", "¿Quieres ir...?"
• Describing people, places, and objects: Using adjectives and simple descriptive phrases.
• Narrating past events: Using the correct past tenses to tell a story or explain what happened.