Telc B1 Speaking Topics

This page is specifically designed to help you prepare for the oral Zertifikat Deutsch / telc Deutsch B1 exam. Here you will find exercises with answers for all three parts of the speaking exam: Getting to know each other, Talking about a topic and Planning something together.

If you are looking for general B1 exam exercises with answers for all modules, please visit the B1 homepage.

In the telc Deutsch B1 speaking exam, you demonstrate your ability to express yourself clearly in everyday situations, exchange information, discuss a topic and organise something together with a speaking partner. Active participation, clear communication and the ability to respond to others are particularly important.

Structure and Duration of the telc B1 Speaking Exam

The speaking exam consists of three parts and is usually conducted with two candidates. Before the exam begins, you are given time to prepare for the tasks.

The oral Zertifikat Deutsch / telc Deutsch B1 exam includes the following tasks:

• Part 1: Getting to know each other (approx. 3 minutes)
• Part 2: Talking about a topic (approx. 6 minutes)
• Part 3: Planning something together (approx. 6 minutes)

In all three parts of the exam, you are assessed on how well you express yourself, complete the tasks and communicate with your speaking partner.

Task Types in the telc B1 Speaking Exam

Each part of the exam has a different objective. The first part focuses on personal information, the second on discussing a topic and the third on planning an activity or event together.

Part 1: Getting to Know Each Other

In the first part, you get to know your speaking partner. You talk about yourself and ask your partner questions. Possible topics include your name, where you live, your family, your job, your language skills, your hobbies and your interests.

The prompts on the task sheet help you guide the conversation. The examiners may ask additional questions. It is important not to simply list individual words but to speak in connected sentences whenever possible and show interest in your speaking partner.

Part 2: Talking About a Topic

In the second part of the exam, you and your speaking partner receive different task sheets containing statements or opinions about a particular topic. First, you tell each other what is written on your task sheets.

You then discuss the topic together. You express your own opinion, talk about personal experiences and respond to your partner's statements.

Typical topics may include leisure activities, nutrition, family, work, shopping or the use of digital media. The aim is not to deliver a memorised presentation but to have a natural conversation.

Part 3: Planning Something Together

In the third part, you and your speaking partner must organise a particular activity or event together. You receive a task with prompts to help you plan.

For example, you may be asked to prepare a celebration, organise a trip or plan a shared activity. You make suggestions, ask questions, discuss different options and decide together how to proceed.

It is important that both candidates actively participate in the conversation. You should respond to suggestions, contribute your own ideas and divide responsibilities appropriately.

Topics in the telc B1 Speaking Exam: Overview and Examples

The topics in the telc B1 speaking exam are based on familiar everyday situations. For the second part of the exam, you should particularly practise reporting information, expressing your opinion and describing personal experiences.

For the third part, it is helpful to practise typical planning situations. These may include organising a celebration, a trip, a visit or a shared leisure activity.

You do not need to memorise a complete text for every possible topic. It is more useful to learn suitable German phrases and use them flexibly in different conversations.

Useful German Phrases for the telc B1 Speaking Exam

Useful German phrases help you express your thoughts clearly and respond to your speaking partner. Expressions for introducing yourself, reporting information, expressing opinions and planning something together are particularly important.

For Part 1, you can say, for example: Ich komme ursprünglich aus ..., In meiner Freizeit ... or Was machen Sie beruflich?

In Part 2, useful expressions include Auf meinem Aufgabenblatt steht, dass ..., Die Person ist der Meinung, dass ..., Ich persönlich finde, dass ... or Ich habe die Erfahrung gemacht, dass ...

For Part 3, suitable phrases include Ich schlage vor, dass ..., Was hältst du davon?, Das ist eine gute Idee, aber ..., Wer übernimmt diese Aufgabe? or Dann machen wir es so.

Exercises to Prepare for telc B1 Speaking

Effective exam preparation should cover all three parts of the speaking exam. First, practise introducing yourself freely and answering questions. Then practise reporting information from short texts and expressing your own opinion on a topic.

Planning something together is also particularly important. You should learn to participate actively in conversations, make suggestions, discuss alternatives and reach decisions.

With the exercises on deutsch-vorbereitung.com, you can focus on the typical tasks of the telc B1 speaking exam and improve your language skills step by step.

Role-Plays and Exercises with a Partner

Prepare for the telc B1 exam together with a study partner. Role-plays based on the three parts of the exam are particularly helpful.

• Getting to know each other: Ask each other questions about family, work, leisure activities and personal interests.
• Talking about a topic: Read different statements about a topic, report the information and exchange opinions and experiences.
• Planning something together: Organise a trip, a celebration or another activity together. Discuss the location, time, costs and division of responsibilities.

Online Exercises

You can also prepare for the speaking exam without a regular study partner. Use online exercises, voice recordings and suitable speaking tasks to improve your ability to express yourself.

• Recording yourself: Record your answers and listen to them, paying attention to clarity, vocabulary and grammar.
• Topic-based exercises: Practise reporting information from short texts and describing your own experiences.
• Planning dialogues: Practise making suggestions, asking follow-up questions and responding to your partner's ideas.

Assessment Criteria: What Do the Examiners Look For?

The telc B1 speaking exam is assessed according to four criteria. You can achieve a total of 15 points in Part 1. In Parts 2 and 3, a maximum of 30 points is available for each part.

Tips and Strategies for the telc B1 Speaking Exam

For the telc B1 speaking exam, it is important not only to prepare individual answers but also to practise real conversations. Learn to ask questions, respond to opinions and express your thoughts in simple, connected sentences.

Overcoming Anxiety and Speaking Freely

You do not need to speak perfect German to pass the B1 exam. What matters is that you express yourself clearly and actively participate in the conversation.

• Speak in complete but relatively simple sentences.
• Respond directly to your speaking partner's statements.
• Use suitable German phrases to express opinions, make suggestions and ask follow-up questions.
• Describe personal experiences using specific examples.
• Ask for clarification if you do not understand something.
• Try to continue the conversation even if you make minor language mistakes.

How to Improve Your Skills Effectively

Regular short practice sessions are a good way to become more confident when speaking. Make sure you practise all three parts of the exam.

• Practise short conversations about personal topics every day.
• Review important German phrases for expressing opinions and describing personal experiences.
• Practise different planning situations with a partner.
• Record your answers and improve unclear expressions.
• Simulate the speaking exam under realistic time conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the telc B1 Speaking Exam