B1 Speaking Topics

General Information about the German B1 Speaking Exam

The oral exam at B1 level is an important step on the way to official language certification. Those who want to express themselves confidently and handle everyday situations linguistically should prepare in a focused way. It's not only about grammatical accuracy, but especially about the ability to actively participate in conversations and respond to the speaking partner.

What to expect in the B1 speaking exam?

The exam usually consists of several parts that test different communicative skills. You will be expected to introduce yourself, talk about familiar topics, express your opinion, or work with a partner to plan something together. The topics are often related to real-life situations, which makes the exam highly practical.

Typical exam formats

• Brief self-introduction with personal information
• Free speaking about a personal experience or event
• Role play or planning a task with a partner

How can you prepare effectively?

The key to success in the oral exam lies in structured preparation. It is recommended to practice speaking regularly, train useful expressions, and work on current topics. Using online materials or sample tasks can also be very helpful.

Effective preparation steps

• Understand the structure and timing of the exam
• Practice with realistic exercises and conversation simulations
• Expand your vocabulary systematically
• Use topic cards or example situations
• Work with a study partner or join a learning group

Expert tip from Olena Bazalukova

Olena, the founder of this learning platform, has specialized in developing practical exercises for speaking exams for many years. In collaboration with experienced teachers and certified examiners from various countries, she creates materials based on realistic communication scenarios. Her method combines structured preparation with active language practice. Her tip: "Don’t wait for perfect sentences – just start speaking. Being understandable is more important than grammatical perfection."

Voices from learners

Many learners report significant progress after working with sample tasks from past exams. One user wrote: “At first, I was afraid to speak. But with focused practice and solid preparation, I was finally able to speak freely.” Another participant noted how useful structured expressions were during the discussion part.

Example topics for B1 speaking

• Talk about a place you like and explain why it is special to you.
• Describe a problem you faced in everyday life and how you solved it.
• Plan a weekend trip together with a partner.
• Exchange arguments on a current topic such as digital media or healthy eating.

Additional preparation advice

Even if writing or other parts of the exam often receive more attention, speaking should be practiced just as intensively. The combination of spontaneous reaction, fluency, and thematic clarity determines success. Our platform offers targeted support through interactive exercises, structured examples, and practical tips for the oral part of the exam.

The B1 speaking exam does not require perfection – but rather the ability to communicate clearly and actively. Those who practice regularly, prepare for typical scenarios, and apply the language in real contexts are well on their way to success. Use online resources with exercises and examples that guide you step by step to your goal.