Tardar y durar: la diferencia, DELE C1 (videolección)

A student explains what the DELE C1 exam consists of, and the lesson takes the chance to practise two verbs that are often confused: tardar and durar.

Do you know the difference between "tardar" and "durar" in Spanish? It is a key element in DELE exam for C1 level, and you learn it for free with this free Spanish lesson brought to you by Tilde Madrid Spanish school in Madrid

Key points

Durar is how long something lasts: La película dura dos horas.
Tardar is the time someone or something needs to do or reach something: Tardo veinte minutos en llegar al trabajo.
Tardar takes en + infinitive: ¿Cuánto tardas en hacer el examen?
The DELE C1 evaluates four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking.

Frequent doubts

¿Cuánto tarda el tren or ¿cuánto dura el viaje?

Both are correct, with a different focus: cuánto tarda el tren (en llegar) asks how long the train needs; cuánto dura el viaje asks about the length of the journey.

Can tardar mean to be late?

Yes: No tardes, que empieza la película (Don't be late, the film is starting). Tardar mucho means to take a long time.

What level is the DELE C1?

An advanced level, C1 of the Common European Framework. It shows that you can use Spanish fluently in academic and professional situations.

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Tardar y durar (examen DELE C1)

Key points

Frequent doubts

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