The DELE B2 listening test lasts 40 minutes and contains 5 tasks with 30 items total. It's the section that causes the most anxiety because you can't control the pace. But with the right strategies, you can significantly improve your score.
General structure
The 5 tasks cover different listening formats: short conversations, long dialogues, interviews, monologues, and lectures. Each audio is played twice, giving you a second chance to confirm your answers.
Task 1: Short conversations (6 items)
You'll hear 6 short conversations and must answer one multiple-choice question (3 options) for each.
Strategy
- Read the questions and options BEFORE the audio starts
- Underline key words in each option
- Watch out for distractors — all options may be mentioned but only one answers the question
- On the first listen, try to eliminate incorrect options
Task 2: Long conversation (6 items)
An extended dialogue (interview, debate, conversation) with 6 multiple-choice questions.
Strategy
- Questions follow the order of the audio — don't skip ahead
- Mark your provisional answer on the first listen
- Use the second listen to confirm doubtful ones
- Pay attention to opinion expressions and attitude markers
Task 3: Interview with two people (6 items)
You'll hear an interview with two people and must identify who expresses each of 6 ideas.
Strategy
- Identify the voices from the start — note a distinctive feature of each
- Ideas may be paraphrased — look for meaning, not exact words
- If both people discuss the same topic, focus on nuances of opinion
- There may be a trick option where neither person expresses the idea
Task 4: Short monologues (6 items)
6 short monologues (announcements, messages, news) that you must match with 6 statements from a list of 9.
Strategy
- Read all statements before starting — 3 extras act as distractors
- Identify the main topic of each monologue, don't get lost in details
- Statements use synonyms of the audio — train your paraphrase vocabulary
- If you're torn between two options, wait for the second listen
Task 5: Lecture or presentation (6 items)
A long monologue (lecture, talk, academic presentation) with 6 multiple-choice questions.
Strategy
- This is the hardest task — vocabulary is more formal and specialized
- Take brief notes during the first listen (key words, not full sentences)
- Questions follow the order of the speech
- Pay special attention to connectors: "sin embargo", "por otro lado", "en conclusión"
- The speaker's tone can indicate the answer (irony, emphasis, doubt)
General tips
- Train with real audio: Spanish podcasts, news, interviews at normal speed
- Practice active listening: Don't just hear — search for specific information
- Expand your vocabulary: Many answers depend on recognizing synonyms
- Don't freeze: If you miss an answer, move to the next one immediately
- Manage time between tasks: Use pause seconds to read the next task
Listening improves with consistent practice. Dedicate at least 20 minutes daily to listening to Spanish in different contexts. Also check our guide to passing the DELE B2 in 3 months for a complete study plan.