DELE A1 Guide: Basic Sentence Structure – Word Order and Syntax
Want to practice first? Try a General Sentence Structure Quiz!
Key Takeaways
- Learn basic Spanish sentence word order
- Master subject-verb-object structure
- Understand adjective placement rules
- Learn question and negative sentence formation
- Essential for DELE A1 writing and speaking accuracy
Welcome to your complete guide to Spanish sentence structure, fundamental for constructing correct sentences on the DELE A1 exam. Understanding word order will help you communicate clearly and avoid common mistakes.
What is Sentence Structure?
Sentence structure (estructura de la oración) refers to the order of words in a sentence. Spanish generally follows Subject-Verb-Object order like English, but has important differences in adjective placement, question formation, and negative sentences.
Basic Word Order Patterns
Declarative Sentences (Statements)
| Spanish Order | Example | Literal Translation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject + Verb + Object | María come manzanas | María eats apples | María eats apples |
| Subject + Verb + Complement | Yo soy estudiante | I am student | I am a student |
| Subject + Verb + Location | Ellos viven en Madrid | They live in Madrid | They live in Madrid |
DELE A1 Tip: The most common and safest sentence structure for the exam is Subject + Verb + Object. Stick to this pattern when you’re unsure.
Adjective Placement Rules
General Rule: Adjective After Noun
| Spanish Order | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Noun + Adjective | una casa grande | a big house |
| Noun + Adjective | un libro interesante | an interesting book |
| Noun + Adjective | un hombre alto | a tall man |
Exceptions: Adjective Before Noun
| Spanish Order | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective + Noun | buen día | good day |
| Adjective + Noun | gran ciudad | great city |
| Adjective + Noun | poca agua | little water |
Question Formation
Yes/No Questions
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Verb + Subject + …? | ¿Estudia María? | Does María study? |
| ¿Verb + Subject + Object? | ¿Tienes tú un libro? | Do you have a book? |
| ¿Verb + Complement? | ¿Es grande la casa? | Is the house big? |
Information Questions
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Question Word + Verb + Subject? | ¿Qué estudia María? | What does María study? |
| ¿Question Word + Verb + …? | ¿Dónde vives? | Where do you live? |
| ¿Question Word + es/son + …? | ¿Cómo es tu casa? | What is your house like? |
Negative Sentences
Basic Negation with “No”
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Subject + no + verb | Yo no estudio | I don’t study |
| No + verb + subject | No estudio yo | I don’t study |
| Subject + no + verb + object | Ella no tiene coche | She doesn’t have a car |
Common Negative Words
| Spanish | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| nada | nothing | No veo nada |
| nadie | nobody | No hay nadie |
| nunca | never | Nunca estudio |
Sentence Structure Examples
Simple Present Tense Sentences
- Yo como pizza los viernes
- María estudia español
- Nosotros vivimos en una casa grande
- El libro es muy interesante
Sentences with Time Expressions
- Por la mañana, yo estudio español
- Los lunes, vamos al cine
- A las ocho, me levanto
Sentences with Location
- En mi casa, tenemos un jardín
- En Madrid, hay muchos museos
- En el parque, los niños juegan
DELE A1 Exam Practice
Writing Section Examples
- Write 3 sentences about your family
- Describe your house using correct adjective placement
- Write about your daily routine
- Create simple questions about personal information
Speaking Section Examples
- Describe your family using basic sentence structure
- Answer questions with complete sentences
- Ask simple questions using correct word order
- Describe your daily activities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- English word order: ❌ “Yo tengo una casa grande” ✅ Correct!
- Wrong adjective placement: ❌ “Yo tengo una grande casa” ✅ “Yo tengo una casa grande“
- Missing “no” placement: ❌ “Yo estudio no” ✅ “No estudio”
Next Step: Test Your Knowledge!
Ready to check your understanding of Spanish sentence structure?
Take our DELE A1 Sentence Structure Quiz here to confirm you’re ready for this part of the exam.
What’s Next in Your DELE A1 Journey?
- Ready for more complex sentences? Study Connecting Words Guide
- Need verb practice? Review Present Tense Verbs
- Practice all A1 grammar? Take a Full A1 Grammar Test
Good luck with your DELE A1 preparation!
