Telc B1 Planning something together

More Details about the Oral Part Planning Something Together in Telc

The third part of the oral Telc B1 exam is called “Planning something together”. In this task, the two candidates have to discuss a specific situation and make a decision together. The examiners want to see whether both participants can make useful suggestions, agree or disagree politely, and find a solution together. The focus is on communicative cooperation rather than perfect grammar.

What exactly is the task?

The structure of this part is always the same: two people must plan an everyday situation together. Both receive the same task with five key points. Based on that, they must create a conversation. The topics are taken from everyday life and are easy to understand.

Examples of typical tasks

• A class trip with the language school
• A surprise party for a friend
• Planning a gift for a colleague
• Organizing a picnic
• Planning a movie night with friends

How does this part of the exam work?

Both candidates receive the task with five notes (e.g., “location”, “time”, “food”, “invitation”, “music?”). The examiner says that the participants should now plan something together. Then the free conversation begins and lasts around three minutes. The examiners do not intervene.

What is important?

• Reacting to your partner’s suggestions (e.g., “Good idea”, “I’m not sure”)
• Bringing in your own ideas and justifying them
• Disagreeing politely and offering alternatives
• Making a joint decision at the end
• Building a dialogue, not giving monologues

Useful expressions for this part

• What do you think about that?
• I think we should …
• That’s a good idea, but …
• Maybe we can …
• Does my suggestion work for you?
• Then let’s do it that way

Experiences from test participants

Many candidates say that they initially find this part difficult but that it can be well prepared. “I was nervous at first, but my partner spoke calmly and we complemented each other well,” says Jonas from Munich. Fatma from Bremen reports: “We practiced a lot in class. I knew exactly how to agree or disagree.” Most emphasize how important it is to stay polite and respond to the other person.

Our recommendations

• Practice everyday planning situations with a partner – such as planning a party or a meeting
• Practice responding to suggestions: agreeing, disagreeing, offering alternatives
• Always use appropriate expressions for suggestions, responses, and decisions
• Speak slowly, clearly, and naturally – better to keep it simple
• Really listen to your partner and react spontaneously – avoid memorizing phrases

Expert opinion

Olena Bazalukova, exam trainer and founder of deutsch-vorbereitung.com, explains: “This part is about real communication. Examiners pay attention to how well candidates respond to each other, whether they offer alternatives, and if they can make a joint decision. Those who speak naturally and cooperate well show solid B1-level language skills.”

The “Planning something together” part is a great opportunity to use simple language meaningfully and show real conversation skills. Those who know typical phrases, practice regularly with a partner, and avoid complicated sentences can earn many points here.