DELE A2 Guide: Spanish Present Progressive (Estar + Gerundio)
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Key Takeaways
- Master the conjugation of estar + gerundio for actions in progress
- Learn to form regular and irregular gerunds (-ando, -iendo, -yendo)
- Understand when to use present progressive vs. simple present
- Practice with real-life DELE A2 scenarios and examples
Welcome to your complete guide to the Spanish Present Progressive tense, also known as Estar + Gerundio. This essential grammar topic allows you to describe actions happening right now, at this very moment. Mastering this tense will make your Spanish sound more natural and immediate, which is crucial for the DELE A2 speaking and writing sections.
What is the Present Progressive?
The present progressive describes actions that are in progress at the moment of speaking. It’s formed with the present tense of estar + the gerund (equivalent to English “-ing” form).
Formation: Estar + Gerund
Step 1: Conjugate Estar
| Subject | Estar |
|---|---|
| yo | estoy |
| tú | estás |
| él/ella/usted | está |
| nosotros | estamos |
| vosotros | estáis |
| ellos/ustedes | están |
Step 2: Form the Gerund
Regular Gerund Formation:
| Verb Ending | Gerund Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -AR verbs | -ando | hablar → hablando |
| -ER verbs | -iendo | comer → comiendo |
| -IR verbs | -iendo | vivir → viviendo |
Complete Conjugation Examples:
Hablar (to speak):
- “yo estoy hablando” (I am speaking)
- “tú estás hablando” (you are speaking)
- “él está hablando” (he is speaking)
Comer (to eat):
- “nosotros estamos comiendo” (we are eating)
- “vosotros estáis comiendo” (you all are eating)
- “ellos están comiendo” (they are eating)
Irregular Gerunds
1. Stem-changing -IR Verbs:
- e → i: pedir → pidiendo
- o → u: dormir → durmiendo
- “Estoy pidiendo ayuda.” (I am asking for help.)
- “Está durmiendo ahora.” (He is sleeping now.)
2. -ER/-IR Verbs with Vowel Ending:
- i → y: leer → leyendo
- i → y: oír → oyendo
- “Estoy leyendo un libro.” (I am reading a book.)
- “Están oyendo música.” (They are listening to music.)
3. Other Common Irregulars:
- ir → yendo
- poder → pudiendo
- “Está yendo al mercado.” (He is going to the market.)
When to Use Present Progressive
1. Actions Happening Right Now:
- “Estoy estudiando para el examen.” (I am studying for the exam.)
- “¿Qué estás haciendo?” (What are you doing?)
2. Temporary Actions in Progress:
- “Está trabajando en un proyecto importante.” (He is working on an important project.)
- “Estamos aprendiendo español.” (We are learning Spanish.)
3. Changing or Developing Situations:
- “El tiempo está mejorando.” (The weather is improving.)
- “Los precios están subiendo.” (Prices are rising.)
When NOT to Use Present Progressive
Use Simple Present Instead For:
- Habits and routines:
- ✅ “Estudio español todos los días.” (I study Spanish every day.)
- ❌ “Estoy estudiando español todos los días.”
- Permanent situations:
- ✅ “Vivo en Madrid.” (I live in Madrid.)
- ❌ “Estoy viviendo en Madrid.” (unless temporary)
- General truths:
- ✅ “El sol sale por el este.” (The sun rises in the east.)
- ❌ “El sol está saliendo por el este.”
DELE A2 Practical Scenarios
Phone Conversations:
- “Hola, ¿qué estás haciendo?” (Hi, what are you doing?)
- “Estoy cocinando la cena.” (I’m cooking dinner.)
- “Estoy mirando la televisión.” (I’m watching TV.)
Describing Current Situations:
- “Los niños están jugando en el parque.” (The children are playing in the park.)
- “Mi hermana está conduciendo al trabajo.” (My sister is driving to work.)
Work and Study:
- “Estamos teniendo una reunión importante.” (We are having an important meeting.)
- “Estoy escribiendo un informe.” (I am writing a report.)
Pronoun Placement
Option 1: Before Estar
- “Me estoy lavando.” (I am washing myself.)
- “Te estás vistiendo.” (You are getting dressed.)
Option 2: Attached to Gerund
- “Estoy lavándome.”
- “Estás vistiéndote.”
DELE A2 Exam Tips
- Speaking Section: Use present progressive to describe what’s happening in photos
- Writing Section: Show you can use both present and present progressive correctly
- Listening Section: Recognize actions in progress in conversations
- Key Areas: Current activities, phone conversations, describing scenes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use present progressive for habits (use simple present)
- Remember the irregular gerund forms
- Don’t confuse with English usage patterns
- Practice the correct estar conjugation
Pronunciation Tips
- -ando: “ahn-doh”
- -iendo: “ee-en-doh”
- -yendo: “yen-doh”
Memory Aids
- -AR verbs → -ando
- -ER/-IR verbs → -iendo
- Estar changes, gerund doesn’t
- Use for actions happening now
Next Step: Test Your Knowledge!
Ready to master the present progressive?
Take our DELE A2 Present Progressive Quiz here to ensure you’re prepared for the exam.
What’s Next in Your DELE A2 Journey?
- Need to review estar? Study DELE A2 Ser vs Estar
- Ready for other tenses? Review DELE A2 Present Tense
- Want related topics? Learn DELE A2 Reflexive Verbs
- Practice all A2 grammar? Return to DELE A2 Grammar Hub
Looking for a deeper dive?
This guide covers the essentials for the DELE A2 exam. If you want to explore more irregular gerunds, additional uses of the progressive, and contrast with other Spanish dialects, check out our complete guide: Spanish Present Progressive: The Complete Guide
Master the present progressive and you’ll be able to describe ongoing actions with confidence in Spanish!
