Spanish society

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: La Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).

A foreigner living in Spain gets a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), a plastic card with a photo and an NIE number. The DNI is only for Spanish citizens, and the empadronamiento proves your address, not your right to live here.

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Correct answer: El certificado de empadronamiento.

Your address is proved by the certificado de empadronamiento, an extract from the town's register of residents (padrón). You get it at the ayuntamiento, and you need it for almost everything: school, healthcare, residence permits.

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Correct answer: Al libro de familia.

The paper “family book” (libro de familia) has been replaced by an electronic entry in the Civil Registry (registro electrónico individual). Each person now has their own digital record: birth, marriage, children.

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Correct answer: 18 años.

You can drive a car in Spain from the age of 18. From 16 you can only ride mopeds and light motorbikes.

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Correct answer: la Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).

Driving licences are issued by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), which also runs the tests. Neither the police nor the Civil Registry deal with them.

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Correct answer: un examen teórico y otro práctico.

You have to pass two tests: theory (rules and signs) and a practical driving test in town. One of them alone is not enough.

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Correct answer: En el Registro Civil.

The libro de familia has always been issued by the Civil Registry (Registro Civil). It has now been replaced by an electronic record in the same place (question 5003), but the exam answer is still Registro Civil.

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Correct answer: Canal Sur.

Canal Sur is Andalusia's channel, so it is regional. Many communities have their own channels: TV3 in Catalonia, Telemadrid, TVG in Galicia. Telecinco and Nova are private national channels.

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Correct answer: 19 semanas.

Since 2025, birth leave lasts 19 weeks for each parent. The first six weeks after the birth are compulsory and must be taken straight away.

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Correct answer: 0,5.

For ordinary drivers the limit is 0.5 g/l of alcohol in the blood. For new drivers with less than two years' experience and for professional drivers it is lower, 0.3 g/l.

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Correct answer: Piso en un edificio de viviendas.

Most Spaniards live in flats (pisos) in apartment buildings. Detached houses (chalés) and country houses (casas rurales) are less common, especially in cities.

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Correct answer: Andalucía.

Andalusia is the heart of olive oil production, especially the province of Jaén, where olive groves stretch to the horizon. Spain produces more olive oil than any other country.

Olea europaeaWikipedia Photo: Gabriel Collares · CC BY 4.0

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Correct answer: ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos).

The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is the compulsory vehicle inspection. A new car is first checked after four years, then every two years, and every year once it is over ten. IBI is the property tax and ITE a building inspection.

vehicle inspectionWikipedia Photo: Arkangel · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Correct answer: tapa.

A tapa is a small snack served with a drink in a bar. In some cities, such as Granada, you get one free with every drink.

tapasWikipedia Photo: Rafax · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Correct answer: En el centro de salud.

You apply for the tarjeta sanitaria at your health centre (centro de salud), which is assigned according to your registered address. The Ministry of Health does not issue cards.

Spanish National Health SystemWikipedia Photo: Frobles · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Correct answer: Con 3 hijos.

A family counts as a large family (familia numerosa) with three children, and in some cases, for example if a child has a disability, with two. These families get discounts on transport, taxes and education.

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Correct answer: entre personas del mismo y diferente sexo.

Since 2005, Spain has allowed marriage between people of the same or different sex. It was one of the first countries in the world to pass such a law.

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Correct answer: el Ayuntamiento.

Dogs are registered in the municipal animal register at the ayuntamiento. Together with the microchip, this helps find the owner if the dog gets lost.

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Correct answer: patatas.

A classic tortilla española is eggs and potatoes. Whether to add onion is almost a national debate in Spain, but the exam answer is patatas.

Spanish omeletteWikipedia Photo: Tamorlan · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Correct answer: Gazpacho.

Gazpacho is a cold Andalusian soup made with tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, garlic and olive oil. Pizza and pasta are Italian.

gazpachoWikipedia Photo: Bocadorada · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Correct answer: La 1.

La 1 is the main channel of the state broadcaster RTVE. Telecinco (Tele 5) and Antena 3 are private channels.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: no molestar con ruido.

The golden rule of living in an apartment building is not to make noise, especially at night. Cleaning of shared areas is usually paid for by the residents' association through fees; it is not each resident's job.

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Correct answer: Arroz.

Paella is built on rice, which in Valencia is grown around the Albufera lagoon. Classic paella valenciana has chicken, rabbit and beans, but never chorizo.

paellaWikipedia Photo: Jan Harenburg · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Correct answer: Asturias.

Cider is the drink of Asturias. It is poured in a special way (escanciar): the bottle is held high above the head so the cider froths up.

Asturian ciderWikipedia Photo: CONSEJO REGULADOR DOP SIDRA DE ASTURIAS · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Correct answer: puede ser el de la madre o el del padre.

Since 2017 parents decide which surname comes first, the father's or the mother's. Before that, the father's came first by default.

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Correct answer: 12 de octubre.

12 October is the Fiesta Nacional de España: on that day in 1492 Columbus reached America. 6 December is Constitution Day, and 15 August is the Assumption (Asunción).

Spanish National DayWikipedia Photo: Nils van der Burg from Madrid, Spain · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Correct answer: Los domingos.

Most shops are closed on Sundays. Tourist areas and big cities have exceptions, but that is the general rule.

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Correct answer: En una comisaría de policía.

Passports are issued at a Policía Nacional station (comisaría), the same place as the DNI. You need to book an appointment first (cita previa).

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Correct answer: discriminación.

The Ministry of Equality fights gender-based violence and discrimination. Among other things, it runs the 016 helpline for victims of violence.

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Correct answer: Cataluña.

Cava is a sparkling wine, and almost all of it is made in Catalonia, above all in the Penedès area around Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.

CavaWikipedia Photo: dieghernan · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Correct answer: La tarjeta sanitaria.

To be seen in public healthcare you need a tarjeta sanitaria. A passport or birth certificate does not replace it.

Spanish National Health SystemWikipedia Photo: Frobles · CC BY-SA 4.0

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: una hora menos.

The Canaries are one hour behind Madrid: when it is 12:00 on the mainland, it is 11:00 on the islands. The news reminds you of it: “a las once, una menos en Canarias”.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad.

The university entrance exam is now called the Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU). Many people still say “selectividad” out of habit, but the official exam answer is PAU.

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Correct answer: Petróleo.

Spain has almost no oil of its own, so it has to import it. Olive oil is the opposite: Spain exports more of it than any other country.

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Correct answer: Impuestos directos e indirectos.

There are direct taxes on income (for example IRPF) and indirect taxes included in the price of what you buy (for example IVA). Residents pay both.

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Correct answer: 25 años.

Adults without the Bachillerato can get into university through a special exam for people over 25 (prueba de acceso para mayores de 25 años). There are also routes for people over 40 and over 45.

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Correct answer: En zonas de recreo.

A “keep off the grass, don't pick the flowers” sign belongs in parks and recreation areas. Theatres and stadiums have no lawns to walk on.

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Correct answer: se compone de dos cursos académicos.

The Bachillerato lasts two school years, roughly from 16 to 18, and is not compulsory. Pupils aged 14 to 16 are in ESO.

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Correct answer: Impuestos indirectos.

IVA is value added tax (VAT). It is an indirect tax: you pay it in the price of goods and services, not on your salary. The standard rate is 21%.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: El de la Seguridad Social.

Before your first job you get a Social Security number (número de la Seguridad Social). You keep it for life, and it is used for your salary, sick leave and pension.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: son gratuitos.

State schools are free. The number of places and who teaches there are decided by the administration: teachers become civil servants through competitive exams (oposiciones).

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Correct answer: Algeciras.

Algeciras, on the Strait of Gibraltar, is one of the largest cargo ports in Spain and the Mediterranean. The main route between Europe and Africa runs through it.

Port of AlgecirasWikipedia Photo: Paolichy · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Correct answer: recibe dinero de la Administración.

A colegio concertado is a private school funded by the government, so it is mostly free for families. A private school without that funding is called privado.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: de la Unión Europea.

Most Spanish exports go to EU countries, above all France, Germany, Italy and Portugal.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: todos.

Public libraries are free for everyone. You get a library card at no cost, even as a foreigner.

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Correct answer: Calzado.

Spain exports more shoes than it imports; the main production centres are Elche and Elda in the province of Alicante, and the island of Menorca. Gas and most clothing are imported.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: un Centro de Educación de Personas Adultas.

Adults get their ESO certificate at a CEPA (Centro de Educación de Personas Adultas), an adult education centre. Classes there are free, and there are evening groups.

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Correct answer: puede ser de grado medio o superior.

Vocational training (FP) comes at intermediate (grado medio) and advanced (grado superior) level. It is not compulsory and is open to all ages.

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Correct answer: Al centro de salud.

For everyday health issues you go to the centro de salud, where the family doctor and the paediatrician work. Hospitals are for specialist referrals and emergencies.

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Correct answer: Para dos años.

In Spain, the European Health Insurance Card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea) is issued for two years. You can request it for free online on the Seguridad Social website.

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Correct answer: A las 21 o 22 h.

Spaniards eat dinner late, usually around 9 or 10 pm. Many restaurants don't even open their kitchen before 8:30 pm.

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Correct answer: 112.

112 is the single emergency number across the EU: ambulance, police and fire brigade. The call is free. 911 is the USA, and 060 is the administration's information line.

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Correct answer: El País.

El País is sold across the whole country. El Diario Vasco and La Voz de Galicia are regional papers, as their names suggest.

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Correct answer: En el estanco.

Stamps and tobacco are sold at an estanco, a tobacconist's with a “Tabacos” sign. Tobacco is a state monopoly in Spain, so only an estanco can sell it.

smoke shopWikipedia Photo: Juan Lupión from Alcorcón, Spain · CC BY 2.0

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Correct answer: Las 24 horas del día.

The helpline for victims of gender-based violence, 016, is open 24 hours a day, every day. The call is free and does not appear on the phone bill.

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Correct answer: la ONCE.

ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles) supports blind and partially sighted people. It funds this work with its famous lottery, the cupón de la ONCE.

National Organization of Spanish Blind PeopleWikipedia Photo: Nxr-at · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Correct answer: Patrimonio de la Humanidad.

The Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a pilgrimage route to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, walked by hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Way of Saint JamesWikipedia Photo: Paulusburg · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Correct answer: Canal 24 horas.

Canal 24 Horas is RTVE's public news channel and shows news around the clock. Teledeporte shows sport, and La 1 is a general channel.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: 016.

016 is the free helpline for victims of gender-based violence. The call leaves no trace on the phone bill. 091 is the Policía Nacional and 112 the general emergency number.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: de cercanías.

There are long-distance trains (AVE and Alvia), regional trains (media distancia) and commuter trains (cercanías), which people take from the suburbs to work.

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Correct answer: Fumar un cigarrillo.

Smoking at the school entrance is banned by the anti-smoking law. The school grounds themselves are off-limits too.

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Correct answer: Técnico.

An intermediate FP course leads to the Técnico diploma, and an advanced one to Técnico Superior. The Graduado en ESO is the compulsory secondary school certificate.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: Doctor.

After defending a doctoral thesis (tesis doctoral), you get the title of Doctor. The Grado is the first university degree and the Máster the second.

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Correct answer: En la farmacia.

Prescription medicines are bought at the pharmacy (farmacia). Prescriptions are often electronic: they are linked to your health card, so the doctor doesn't print anything.

pharmacyWikipedia Photo: David Perez · Public domain

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Correct answer: No pisar el césped.

“No pisar el césped” (keep off the grass) is a park rule. Exact fare notices are on buses, and luggage rules at stations and airports.

CorrectWrong

Correct answer: El seguro.

Car insurance is compulsory; you can't drive without at least third-party liability cover. A garage and an alarm are up to the owner.

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Correct answer: Madrid

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas is the country's main airport. It was named after the first President of democratic Spain in 2014.

Madrid-Barajas AirportWikipedia Photo: en:User:Malaga · Public domain

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Correct answer: en todos los asientos.

Seat belts are compulsory in every seat, including the back. Both the driver and the passenger can be fined.

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Correct answer: 120 km/h.

The limit on an autopista or autovía is 120 km/h. On ordinary roads outside towns it is 90 km/h.

controlled-access highwayWikipedia Photo: Majafego · Public domain

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Correct answer: el transporte público.

Giving up your seat to people with reduced mobility is a public transport rule; special seats are marked for them.

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Correct answer: El taxi.

A free taxi shows a green light on its roof. If the light is off, the taxi is taken.

taxiWikipedia Photo: Dcarolina.2000 · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Correct answer: Ponerle un microchip y vacunarlo

Owners must have their dog microchipped and vaccinated, above all against rabies. Dogs must be walked on a lead, and you have to clean up after them.

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Correct answer: China.

Spaniards travel within the European Union with their DNI; a passport is needed outside it. Italy and Germany are in the EU, China is not.

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Correct answer: 16 años.

You can work in Spain from 16. Under 18, night shifts, overtime and dangerous work are not allowed.

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Correct answer: Servicios.

The service sector is the biggest part of Spain's economy: trade, tourism, transport, finance. It makes up about three quarters of GDP.

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Correct answer: las energías renovables.

Spain is one of Europe's leaders in solar and wind power. On some days, renewables produce more than half of all the country's electricity.

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Correct answer: El Estatuto de los Trabajadores.

The main employment law is the Estatuto de los Trabajadores: contracts, holidays, dismissals, workers' rights. The SEPE is the employment service, not a law.

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Correct answer: Farmacia.

Pharmacies take turns staying open around the clock (farmacia de guardia). The nearest on-duty pharmacy is posted on the door of any closed pharmacy.

pharmacyWikipedia Photo: David Perez · Public domain

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Correct answer: tiene dos ciclos.

Early childhood education has two stages: ages 0–3 and 3–6. It is not compulsory, though the second stage is free and almost all children attend.

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Correct answer: En septiembre.

The school year starts in September, usually in the first half of the month. Each autonomous community sets the exact dates every year.

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Correct answer: son para mayores de 16 años.

The Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas are public language schools with low fees. You can enrol from 16, or from 14 for a language you didn't study at school.

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Correct answer: Informe de vida laboral.

The informe de vida laboral is your employment record. It shows where and for how many years you paid Social Security contributions. You can download it free online, and you need it for loans, benefits or your pension.

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Correct answer: las condiciones laborales.

A collective agreement (convenio colectivo) is a deal between a union or workers' representatives and the employer about working conditions: pay, hours, holidays.

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Correct answer: En el turismo.

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, and tourism brings in about 12% of GDP. The car industry is big too, but the exam answer is tourism.