The speaking exam in telc Deutsch B2: parts, phrases, marking
The oral exam in telc Deutsch B2, the German exam, is a conversation in a pair: about 15 minutes (about 25 in a group of three), 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
You prepare the first part at home: you choose one of seven topics. For parts 2 and 3 you get 20 minutes before the exam, with notes on stamped sheets — but you should not read from them. You start by getting to know each other for about a minute; that is not marked. Two examiners mark, each on their own first.
Part 1: Talking about experiences (Über Erfahrungen sprechen) · about 5 min, 25 points
Each of you talks for at most a minute and a half about your topic; the prompts in brackets help. Your partner listens, then asks questions, which you answer — then you swap. Speak freely: a text learned by heart is explicitly not wanted.
Useful phrases (Redemittel)
- „Ich möchte von … erzählen.“
- „Das war vor … Jahren, als …“
- „Am meisten hat mich überrascht, dass …“
- „Im Nachhinein würde ich …“
- „Wie bist du darauf gekommen?“
- „Was würdest du heute anders machen?“
Part 2: Discussion (Diskussion) · about 5 min, 25 points
In the preparation you read a text on a controversial topic. First you sum up, in a minute at most, its arguments or what you find interesting. Then you discuss: your own arguments, opinions and experience, answers to your partner's arguments, suggestions.
Useful phrases (Redemittel)
- „Im Text geht es darum, dass …“
- „Der Autor vertritt die Meinung, dass …“
- „Ein wichtiges Argument dafür ist …“
- „Da muss ich widersprechen: …“
- „Das sehe ich teilweise anders, denn …“
- „Was hältst du von dem Vorschlag, …?“
Part 3: Planning something together (Gemeinsam etwas planen) · about 5 min, 25 points
You organise a given project together — a party, a conference, an exhibition. You bring in your own ideas and react to the other's suggestions.
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 | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range of expression | 7 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Task completion | 7 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Accuracy | 7 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Pronunciation and intonation | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 25 | 17 | 10 | 0 |
Points per part.
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 examWith the pass (€39 for 90 days) you get 5 sessions.