In Spanish, conditions aren't only expressed with si. In the DELE B2 and DELE C1 you can show good command of grammar with other conditional connectors that take the subjunctive: como (a condition that sounds like a warning), siempre que, siempre y cuando and a condición de que (an essential condition), a no ser que, salvo que and excepto que (an exception) and con tal de que or con que (a minimum condition). In this article I explain the nuance of each one with examples designed for the speaking test.

If you prefer to watch it, here's the video (in Spanish):

Why go beyond “si”

The structure si + indicative + indicative (“Si abrimos una librería, tendremos que cerrar en unos años”) is correct and you'll use it a lot. But at B2 and C1 you need to show a varied range. These connectors have different nuances and all take the subjunctive, so they also let you show you've mastered that mood.

They're especially useful in two tasks:

  • DELE B2, speaking test, Task 1: you evaluate several proposals to solve a problem, with their pros and cons.
  • DELE C1, speaking test, Task 3: you negotiate with the examiner to choose one of several options.

A general rule for all of them: with the present subjunctive, the other clause goes in the present or future indicative; with the imperfect subjunctive, the situation is more hypothetical and the other clause goes in the conditional.

1. Como + subjunctive: a condition that sounds like a warning

Como introduces a condition that sounds like a threat or a warning: if this happens, something negative will follow.

  • B2, Task 1, on the proposal “raise taxes on car owners”: “Como subamos los impuestos a quienes tienen coche, la mayoría se va a quejar, porque no tienen otra forma de ir al trabajo” (If we raise taxes on car owners, most will complain, because they have no other way to get to work).
  • C1, Task 3, choosing which business to open: “Como abramos una librería, en unos años nos veremos obligados a cerrar” (If we open a bookshop, in a few years we'll be forced to close).

Both can also be said with si and the indicative (“Si subimos los impuestos, recibiremos muchas quejas”), but with como you sound more natural and more advanced.

2. Siempre que, siempre y cuando, a condición de que: an essential condition

They present the condition as necessary for the rest to happen. They mean “only if” and have a sense of promise or agreement.

  • “Estoy a favor de subvencionar el transporte público, siempre y cuando el ayuntamiento sea solvente” (I'm in favour of subsidising public transport, as long as the council can afford it).
  • “Estaría a favor de subvencionar el transporte público, siempre y cuando el ayuntamiento fuera solvente”: with the imperfect subjunctive, the situation is more hypothetical and less likely.
  • In the C1 negotiation: “Elegiría la opción 2, siempre que estés de acuerdo” (I'd choose option 2, as long as you agree).

3. A no ser que, salvo que, excepto que: the exception that changes everything

They introduce a circumstance that, if it happens, cancels what you say in the other clause.

  • B2: “No prohibiría el tráfico en el centro, a no ser que se ampliara la red de transporte público” (I wouldn't ban traffic in the centre unless the public transport network were expanded).
  • C1: “La heladería sería un fracaso en invierno, salvo que ofreciéramos postres calientes” (The ice-cream shop would fail in winter, unless we offered hot desserts).

4. Con tal de que, con que: the minimum condition

They express the minimum needed for something to happen. Con que is more colloquial and typical of spoken Spanish; con tal de que is also common in speech, but slightly less informal.

  • B2: “Con que limitáramos las horas en las que los coches pueden entrar al centro, sería suficiente para reducir las emisiones” (Just limiting the hours when cars can enter the centre would be enough to cut emissions).
  • C1: “Estoy dispuesta a elegir la librería, con tal de que organicemos eventos con escritores” (I'm willing to choose the bookshop, provided we organise events with writers).

Quick reference

  • Como + subjunctive: warning or threat.
  • Siempre que / siempre y cuando / a condición de que + subjunctive: essential condition.
  • A no ser que / salvo que / excepto que + subjunctive: an exception that cancels the rest.
  • Con tal de que / con que + subjunctive: minimum condition.

To keep expanding your range, read connectors for the DELE B2, subjunctive structures for the DELE C1 speaking test and tips for DELE C1 speaking Task 3.

FAQ about Spanish conditional connectors

Which mood do these connectors take?

All of them take the subjunctive: present subjunctive if the condition is possible and real, imperfect subjunctive if it's more hypothetical.

What's the difference between “si” and “como”?

Si is neutral and takes the indicative in real conditions. Como takes the subjunctive and adds a warning tone: “Como no estudies, suspenderás” (If you don't study, you'll fail).

Do siempre que and siempre y cuando mean the same?

Yes, as conditionals both mean “only if”. Siempre y cuando sounds a little more emphatic.

Where in the DELE can I use them?

Mainly in the speaking test (B2 Task 1 and C1 Task 3), but also in the writing test when you argue or evaluate proposals.

Summary

  • Don't stop at si: these connectors add nuance and show your level.
  • Como warns, siempre que requires, a no ser que makes an exception and con tal de que settles for the minimum.
  • All take the subjunctive; with the imperfect subjunctive, the other clause goes in the conditional.
  • Use them in B2 speaking Task 1 and in the C1 speaking Task 3 negotiation.

Resources to prepare for the DELE B2 and C1

In my courses I go task by task explaining what you need to do on exam day, with my tips as an examiner and access to me for your questions: DELE B2 course and DELE C1 course.

To practise with full exams: A por el DELE B2 and A por el DELE C1, each with 4 exam models and answers.

For free resources and reminders before each exam session, join the newsletter: recursos.aporeldele.com/boletin.

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