7 subjunctive errors that subtract points from you in DELE B1

Why these errors subtract points in B1

In B1 you don’t need fancy sentences. You need control. The typical problem is trying to “add subjunctive” to sound more advanced, and ending up with sentences that sound odd or are simply wrong. On the exam, this affects grammatical accuracy and clarity. And if the examiner/a has to interpret what you meant, you’re already losing points.

Mistake 1: Using indicative after verbs of desire, advice or recommendation

This is the classic. In B1 it appears all the time in opinion tasks, advice, emails, conversations and monologues.

Mal: Espero que vienes mañana.
Bien: Espero que vengas mañana.

Mal: Te recomiendo que estudias un poco cada día.
Bien: Te recomiendo que estudies un poco cada día.

Quick trick: if the sentence expresses a wish, advice or a request, test it with “quiero que…”, “te pido que…”, “es mejor que…”. If that fits, it almost certainly needs the subjunctive.

Mistake 2: Using subjunctive after “creo que” when you’re actually stating something

Here the opposite happens: you try to sound “more correct” and use subjunctive where it doesn’t belong.

Mal: Creo que sea una buena idea.
Bien: Creo que es una buena idea.

Mal: Pienso que tengas razón.
Bien: Pienso que tienes razón.

Watch out: negation changes the rule.

Bien: No creo que sea una buena idea.
Bien: No pienso que tenga razón.

Quick trick: if you’re affirming (it sounds like “yes, I believe this”), it’s usually indicative. If you deny or doubt, subjunctive.

Mistake 3: Mixing tenses without logic (present with past)

This error stands out because the sentence feels off, even if people understand you.

Mal: Me alegró que vengas.
Bien: Me alegró que vinieras.

Mal: Me molestó que no me dices nada.
Bien: Me molestó que no me dijeras nada.

Rule of thumb: if the main verb is in the past, the most natural choice is the imperfect subjunctive.

Mistake 4: Forgetting the full structure (especially “de que”)

Two typical problems: missing “de” when you need it, or adding “de” where it doesn’t go.

Mal: Me alegro que estés aquí.
Bien: Me alegro de que estés aquí.

Mal: Tengo miedo que sea tarde.
Bien: Tengo miedo de que sea tarde.

But:
Bien: Me gusta que me llames. (no “de” here)

Quick trick: memorize the whole chunk, not just the mood. It’s not “me alegro + subjuntivo”, it’s “me alegro de que + subjuntivo”.

Mistake 5: “cuando” about the future: using future instead of present subjunctive

This shows up all the time in speaking: plans, promises, intentions, future time conditions.

Mal: Cuando terminaré, te llamo.
Bien: Cuando termine, te llamo.

Mal: Cuando llegaremos, cenamos.
Bien: Cuando lleguemos, cenamos.

Rule of thumb: if you’re talking about the future with “cuando” (and it’s not a question), you usually need subjunctive.

Compare:
Future: Cuando tenga tiempo, voy al gimnasio.
Habit: Cuando tengo tiempo, voy al gimnasio.

Mistake 6: Choosing “aunque” at random (indicative vs subjunctive)

“Aunque” is a level detector. In B1 you don’t need to master every nuance, but you do want to avoid guessing.

Indicative when it’s a real/known fact:
Voy a salir aunque llueve. (it’s raining, or you treat it as a fact)

Subjunctive when it’s a possibility / not confirmed:
Voy a salir aunque llueva. (it might rain, you don’t know)

Quick trick: if you know it or you can see it, indicative. If it’s hypothetical, subjunctive.

Mistake 7: Building “para que” incorrectly (or avoiding it out of fear)

“Para que” is gold in B1 because it helps you express intention: I do X to achieve Y. The problem is mixing it up with “para + infinitivo”.

Mal: Te llamo para que hablamos.
Bien: Te llamo para que hablemos.

Mal: Voy a estudiar para que aprobar.
Bien: Voy a estudiar para aprobar. (same subject, infinitive)
Bien: Voy a estudiar para que mis padres estén tranquilos. (different subject, subjunctive)

Quick trick: if the subject changes, “para que” + subjunctive. If the subject stays the same, “para” + infinitive.

How to check your subjunctive 10 minutes before the exam

You don’t need to review “all the subjunctive”. You need to review what appears most in your own speaking and writing. Look for these signals in your texts or oral notes: “que” after recomendar/pedir/querer/esperar/es importante; “cuando” about the future; “aunque”; “para que”. If you correct just those, your Spanish immediately sounds more controlled.

FAQ: Subjunctive in DELE B1

Is it mandatory to use the subjunctive to pass DELE B1
It’s not mandatory like a checklist (“use 10 subjunctives”). But it’s extremely common in B1 communication tasks. If you always avoid it, your expression becomes limited and you’re more likely to make mistakes in basic structures.

Which subjunctive tenses do I need in B1
Mainly present subjunctive, and sometimes imperfect subjunctive when the main verb is in the past.

What is the most penalized mistake
The one that makes the sentence incorrect or hard to understand, like “Espero que vienes” or “Cuando terminaré…”. They’re very visible and very avoidable.

If you want to keep working on this (and prepare with a method)

If you’re preparing DELE B1 and you want a task-by-task guide, with strategies for each test and commented examples, here’s my online course: https://b1.aporeldele.com/

If you prefer to practise with paper material, my B1 book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4e66lV6

And if you want to receive free resources and useful reminders before each exam session, you can sign up for the newsletter: http://recursos.aporeldele.com/boletin

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