DTZ A1 Speaking Topics and Exercises

Oral DTZ A1 Speaking Exam in Detail

The oral DTZ A1 speaking exam is the first contact many people have with an official German test. It is a central component of the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) and is conducted as part of integration courses throughout Germany. In this exam, the focus is not on perfect command of the language, but rather on the ability to communicate in everyday situations in a simple way. Below, we explain how the exam is structured, which topics are included, and how you can prepare effectively.

Structure of the DTZ A1 Speaking Exam

The oral exam is divided into three parts and usually lasts about 15 minutes. Two participants are tested together. The tasks are based on everyday situations and do not involve complicated grammar structures. The goal is to enable simple communication in German.

• Part 1: Introducing yourself – name, age, origin, place of residence, profession, languages, interests
• Part 2: Asking and answering questions – on topics like family, leisure, shopping
• Part 3: Making a request – for example, in the supermarket, on the bus, or at the doctor’s office

Typical Topics and Examples

The speaking exam covers simple topics that play a role in everyday life. Common topics include:

• Introducing yourself
• Family and friends
• Leisure activities and hobbies
• Living and shopping
• Health and visiting the doctor
• Transportation and getting around the city

A simple example from the exam could be: “What do you do on the weekend?” A possible answer would be: “I go for a walk and meet my friends.”

Practical Dialogues for Preparation

Good preparation for the DTZ A1 speaking exam works best with real dialogues. Role-plays of typical situations, such as at the supermarket, at the doctor’s office, or at school, help build confidence in speaking. For example:

Person A: “Do you have a bag for me?”
Person B: “Yes, here you go.”

Such simple, polite phrases are important for successfully participating in the exam.

Our Recommendations for Preparation

We recommend practicing regularly with a learning partner and simulating short dialogues on everyday topics. Use digital materials, but pay attention to quality and clear language. Read aloud, repeat phrases, and practice your pronunciation. Your self-introduction should also be well rehearsed. A clear structure in your preparation will lead to more confidence in the exam situation.

Reviews from Our Users

Many of our course participants report that targeted practice and simple examples helped them prepare well for the speaking exam. One participant from Berlin said, “I spoke German with my husband every day. During the exam, I was much calmer.” A user from Cologne wrote, “The dialogues on the site helped me not only learn words but really speak.”

Users from Turkey, Ukraine, and Syria also report that regular practice with short, clear topics helped them gain confidence in speaking more quickly. They found exercises based on real-life situations particularly helpful, as these also appear in the exam.

Conclusion

The DTZ A1 speaking exam does not require perfect language skills, but rather the ability to communicate simply in German. Those who practice with examples and dialogues, know typical topics, and use polite phrases can pass this exam successfully. Good preparation not only increases the chance of a positive result but also builds confidence in everyday life.