Telc B1 Speaking Topics

Additional Information about the Telc B1 Speaking Exam

The oral language exam at level B1 is an important part of the telc certification. It assesses whether participants can express themselves clearly and appropriately in everyday situations. The exam formats are designed to reflect real-life conversations and to specifically evaluate active speaking skills.

What is this exam about?

The main focus is the ability to speak spontaneously, clearly, and coherently. The tasks do not require memorized phrases but practical speaking competence. It’s about forming thoughts, reacting to a conversation partner, and staying flexible in various speaking contexts – whether in casual dialogue, joint planning, or dealing with everyday problems.

Who takes this exam?

The B1-level oral exam is primarily for people who need to regulate their residence status in Germany or require recognized proof of language proficiency for professional reasons. It is also chosen by those preparing for vocational training or planning to study in Germany. The exam is a standard component in many integration and preparatory courses.

What is the structure of the oral exam?

The exam consists of three clearly defined parts:

• Part 1: Talking about yourself – for example, about your family, work, or hobbies
• Part 2: Planning something together – such as a gift, a trip, or a project
• Part 3: Expressing and justifying an opinion – including a reaction to your partner’s opinion

The topics are related to everyday life and do not require any special knowledge. Participants receive a short preparation time before the exam begins to get ready for the conversation.

How long does the exam take?

The oral exam lasts around 15 minutes and is usually conducted as a paired conversation with another participant. There is also a brief preparation phase. The performance is assessed by two independent and certified examiners.

How is it evaluated?

The assessment is based on transparent criteria, including:

• Grammatical accuracy
• Range of expression
• Fluency and clarity
• Appropriateness of language used
• Cooperation during the conversation

To pass, a minimum score must be achieved in each part. The results contribute to the overall outcome of the entire telc B1 exam.

Olena’s expert opinion

Olena, the founder of this platform, has been supporting learners for many years on their journey to passing language exams. All her materials are developed in close collaboration with experienced examiners and German teachers from Germany, Austria, Poland, Ukraine, and Turkey. She focuses on authenticity, clarity, and realistic conversation scenarios. Her advice: “Don’t just memorize isolated sentences – practice real conversations with structure, interaction, and your personal style.”

What do other professionals say?

Language experts emphasize the importance of speaking actively in real-life situations. Language coach Julian K. says: “Many underestimate the gap between theoretical knowledge and real communication skills. The speaking exam tests exactly that.” Teachers also report that frequent pair practice and working with realistic examples are most effective.

Participant feedback

A candidate from Bremen shares: “I was afraid I wouldn’t speak enough. But through the exercises on this website, I learned how to stay active with simple tools.” Another participant writes: “The helpful phrases from the examples really supported my fluency.”

What helps with preparation?

For effective preparation for the speaking exam, we recommend:

• Regular speaking practice with a partner
• Using examples from real exam situations
• Practicing useful phrases for planning and giving opinions
• Recording your speech and analyzing it
• Simulating the exam under real test conditions

Our platform offers a wide range of online materials with topics and exercises specifically designed to train speaking at the B1 level.

The telc B1 speaking exam tests more than language knowledge – it checks whether you can truly engage in conversation. With solid preparation, targeted exercises, and realistic examples, you can master the exam discussion. It’s not about perfection, but about communication with strategy and confidence.