The speaking exam in telc Deutsch B1: parts, phrases, marking

The oral exam in telc Deutsch B1, the German exam, is a conversation in a pair: about 15 minutes, three marked parts, 75 points. You need 45 of them, regardless of the written part. Here is what happens in each part, which phrases help and how it is marked.

Preparation and how it runs

Before the exam you get 20 minutes with all the task sheets. You make notes on stamped sheets and may take them in — but should not read from them. No dictionary, no phone. Two examiners are in the room: one leads the conversation, the other listens. Both mark, each on their own first. If only one person has registered, an examiner takes the partner's role.

Part 1: Getting to know each other (Einander kennenlernen) · about 3 min, 15 points

You get to know each other: you talk about yourself and ask your partner questions — where they come from, how they live, what they do, where they learned German. The prompts on the sheet are a help; you may talk about other things too. The examiners can add a topic, such as hobbies or the weekend.

Useful phrases (Redemittel)

„Woher kommst du?“
„Was machst du beruflich?“
„Wo hast du Deutsch gelernt?“
„Welche Sprachen sprichst du?“
„Bei mir ist das so: …“
„Und wie ist das bei dir?“

Part 2: Talking about a topic (Über ein Thema sprechen) · about 6 min, 30 points

You each get a different sheet with opinions on the same topic. First you tell each other what is on your sheet. Then you talk about the topic: your own experience and your opinion.

Useful phrases (Redemittel)

„Auf meinem Blatt geht es um …“
„Eine Person meint, dass …“
„Ich sehe das anders, weil …“
„Bei mir war das so: …“
„Was denkst du darüber?“
„Da hast du recht, aber …“

Part 3: Planning something together (Gemeinsam etwas planen) · about 6 min, 30 points

You organise something on the sheet together — a party, a trip, an event. You bring in ideas, react to the other's suggestions, and in the end agree what needs doing and who does what.

Useful phrases (Redemittel)

„Wie wäre es, wenn wir …?“
„Ich schlage vor, dass …“
„Gute Idee! Dann kann ich …“
„Das finde ich nicht so gut, weil …“
„Wer kümmert sich um …?“
„Also: Ich übernehme …, und du …“

How it is marked

Each part is marked on its own against four criteria: range of expression, task completion, accuracy, pronunciation and intonation — each A to D. Asking back and helping each other count in your favour: a conversation is wanted, not two speeches.

Criterion	Part 1	Parts 2 and 3
Range of expression	4	8
Task completion	4	8
Accuracy	4	8
Pronunciation and intonation	3	6
Total	15	30

The figures are the points for A, the top band; B, C and D give fewer, D none.

How the points add up and when the oral part is enough: How the marking works

Tips

React to what your partner says: ask back, agree, disagree.
Notes as keywords, not full sentences — you should not read them out.
If you don't understand, ask: „Wie meinst du das?“ That is managing the conversation too.
Missing a word? Talk around it rather than fall silent.

Try the oral exam in the app: the examiner asks by voice, you answer into the microphone. A language model marks the conversation from a transcript, so pronunciation only indirectly. The first session is free.

Try the oral exam

With the pass (€39 for 90 days) you get 5 sessions.