DTZ B1 Speaking Topics

All Details about the DTZ B1 Speaking Exam

The oral exam as part of the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) at level B1 is a key component of language certification in Germany. It is administered by the non-profit organization g.a.s.t. (Association for Academic Language Preparation and Test Development) in cooperation with BAMF and is primarily aimed at individuals who plan to settle permanently in Germany or go through the naturalization process.

What is the purpose of the DTZ Speaking Exam?

The goal of the exam is to demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and appropriately in everyday conversations. This includes talking about personal topics as well as expressing opinions and responding to others. The DTZ test is offered in nearly all federal states of Germany and in selected language centers worldwide.

Structure of the Speaking Exam

The speaking test consists of three parts and is conducted in pairs:

• Part 1: Talking about yourself (e.g., origin, daily life, interests)
• Part 2: Planning something together (e.g., a trip, a party, shopping)
• Part 3: Expressing an opinion and reacting to your partner’s opinion

The total duration is around 15 minutes per pair. A short preparation time is provided before the exam begins, during which candidates may review the tasks.

Evaluation Criteria

Two certified examiners assess the performance based on clear criteria, including:

• Linguistic accuracy
• Clarity and articulation
• Communicative appropriateness
• Interactive and conversational behavior
• Strategic handling of language gaps

To officially achieve level B1, candidates must reach at least 60 percent of the maximum score on both the written and oral parts of the exam.

Expert Opinion from Olena

Olena, the founder of this platform, has been supporting language learners worldwide for many years. Her speaking preparation exercises are developed in collaboration with certified examiners and experienced teachers from Germany, Austria, Turkey, Poland, and Ukraine. She focuses on authentic topics and realistic conversation scenarios. Her advice: "Practice each part of the exam with a partner or coach. Use current topics, but most importantly, express yourself clearly and naturally."

Additional Perspectives

Language experts like Dr. Miriam B. emphasize: "Speaking skills don’t come from theory – they develop through practice. If you want to speak fluently, you must practice speaking." Many instructors recommend consistent use of speaking phrases, frequent partner exercises, and self-analysis through audio recordings.

Feedback from Participants

A participant from Dresden shares: "The online tests helped me prepare well for the speaking tasks. The planning activities especially improved my ability to speak in a structured way." A learner from Munich says: "Before, I didn’t know how to justify my opinion. Thanks to the exercises on this site, it became much easier."

Preparation Recommendations

• Simulate regular conversations with a language partner
• Practice typical tasks with examples
• Learn and use speaking phrases systematically
• Record yourself to check your speaking performance
• Use authentic exercises under time pressure

The DTZ B1 speaking exam is more than a formal test – it is a real-life challenge. Those who start early with relevant topics and practical examples improve not only their language skills but also their confidence in real conversations.