DELE A2 Guide: Spanish Verbs with Prepositions

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Key Takeaways

• Master essential verb + preposition combinations for DELE A2
• Learn the differences between similar verbs with different prepositions
• Understand common patterns to avoid mistakes
• Practice with real-life examples and exam-style sentences

Welcome to your essential guide to Spanish Verbs with Prepositions. This topic is crucial for speaking naturally and correctly on the DELE A2 exam. Many verbs require specific prepositions, and using the wrong one can change the meaning. This guide will help you master the most important combinations.

Why Verbs with Prepositions Matter
In Spanish, many verbs are followed by specific prepositions (a, de, en, con, por, para). Using the correct preposition is essential for:

• Grammatical accuracy
• Clear communication
• Natural-sounding Spanish

Essential Verb + A Combinations

1. Verbs of Movement + A

• ir a (to go to): “Voy a la escuela.” (I go to school.)
• venir a (to come to): “Vienes a mi casa.” (You come to my house.)
• llegar a (to arrive at): “Llegamos a la estación.” (We arrive at the station.)

2. Verbs of Beginning + A

• empezar a (to start to): “Empiezo a estudiar.” (I start to study.)
• comenzar a (to begin to): “Comienza a llover.” (It begins to rain.)

3. Verbs of Learning/Teaching + A

• aprender a (to learn to): “Aprendo a cocinar.” (I learn to cook.)
• enseñar a (to teach to): “Enseña a los niños.” (He teaches the children.)

Essential Verb + DE Combinations

1. Verbs of Stopping/Finishing + DE

• dejar de (to stop): “Dejo de fumar.” (I stop smoking.)
• acabar de (to have just): “Acabo de llegar.” (I have just arrived.)
• terminar de (to finish): “Termino de trabajar.” (I finish working.)

2. Verbs of Remembering/Forgetting + DE

• acordarse de (to remember): “Me acuerdo de ti.” (I remember you.)
• olvidarse de (to forget): “Se olvida de la cita.” (He forgets the appointment.)

3. Other Important + DE Verbs

• tratar de (to try to): “Trato de entender.” (I try to understand.)
• hablar de (to talk about): “Hablamos de política.” (We talk about politics.)

Essential Verb + EN Combinations

• pensar en (to think about): “Pienso en mi familia.” (I think about my family.)
• confiar en (to trust in): “Confío en ti.” (I trust you.)
• consistir en (to consist of): “Consiste en tres partes.” (It consists of three parts.)

Essential Verb + CON Combinations

• soñar con (to dream about): “Sueño con viajar.” (I dream about traveling.)
• casarse con (to marry): “Se casa con María.” (He marries Maria.)
• contar con (to count on): “Cuento con tu ayuda.” (I count on your help.)

Common DELE A2 Scenarios

Daily Routine:

• “Me acuerdo de llamar a mi madre.” (I remember to call my mother.)
• “Acabo de desayunar.” (I have just eaten breakfast.)
• “Empiezo a trabajar a las ocho.” (I start to work at eight.)

Plans and Intentions:

• “Voy a estudiar español.” (I’m going to study Spanish.)
• “Pienso en mi futuro.” (I think about my future.)
• “Sueño con visitar España.” (I dream about visiting Spain.)

Social Interactions:

• “Hablo de mis vacaciones.” (I talk about my vacation.)
• “Aprendo a bailar salsa.” (I learn to dance salsa.)
• “Confío en mis amigos.” (I trust my friends.)

Important Contrasts to Remember

Pensar EN vs Pensar DE

• Pensar en = to think about (have on your mind)
  • “Pienso en el examen.” (I’m thinking about the exam.)
• Pensar de = to have an opinion about
  • “¿Qué piensas de la película?” (What do you think about the movie?)

Soñar CON vs Soñar DE

• Soñar con = to dream about (while sleeping)
  • “Anoche soñé con la playa.” (Last night I dreamed about the beach.)
• Soñar de = to daydream/imagine (less common)
  • “Sueño de un mundo mejor.” (I dream of a better world.)

DELE A2 Exam Tips

1. Speaking Section: Use correct prepositions when describing routines and plans
2. Writing Section: Show mastery of verb+preposition combinations in emails
3. Multiple Choice: Pay attention to preposition choices in questions
4. Key Areas: Daily routines, future plans, personal relationships

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t confuse “ir a” with “ir en” (voy a Madrid vs voy en coche)
• Remember “acordarse” always uses “de”
• Don’t forget “soñar” uses “con”
• Practice the most common combinations until they become automatic

Memory Tips

• A for Action (empezar a, aprender a)
• DE for Departure/Completion (dejar de, acabar de)
• EN for mental focus (pensar en, concentrarse en)
• CON for connection (soñar con, casarse con)

Next Step: Test Your Knowledge!
Ready to master verbs with prepositions?

Take our DELE A2 Verbs with Prepositions Quiz here to ensure you’re prepared for the exam.

What’s Next in Your DELE A2 Journey?

• Need more verb practice? Review DELE A2 Present Tense
• Ready for more grammar? Study DELE A2 Object Pronouns
• Want related topics? Learn DELE A2 Por vs Para
• 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 advanced verb+preposition combinations, less common patterns, and nuanced usage rules, check out our complete guide: Spanish Verbs with Prepositions: The Complete Reference Guide

Master verbs with prepositions and you’ll sound much more natural in Spanish conversations!