If you are preparing for the B1 TELC exam, it is important to understand the oral part early: TELC B1 speaking. Many learners worry most about speaking because they need to answer quickly, react to a partner and stay on topic.
In reality, the TELC B1 speaking exam has a clear structure. You do not need perfect German. The main goal is to speak clearly, use simple phrases and avoid long silence.
The speaking exam has three tasks:
- Teil 1: Einander kennenlernen
- Teil 2: Über ein Thema sprechen
- Teil 3: Gemeinsam etwas planen
Teil 1: Einander kennenlernen
In the first part, the candidates get to know each other. You ask your partner simple questions and answer similar questions yourself.
The topics are usually standard: name, country, city, family, housing, work, studies, languages, hobbies and free time.
Example questions
- Wie heißen Sie? - What is your name?
- Woher kommen Sie? - Where are you from?
- Wo wohnen Sie? - Where do you live?
- Welche Sprachen sprechen Sie? - Which languages do you speak?
- Was machen Sie gern in Ihrer Freizeit? - What do you like doing in your free time?
It is better not to answer with just one word. Use a short complete sentence:
- Ich komme aus der Ukraine und lebe jetzt in Deutschland.
- Ich wohne mit meiner Familie in Frankfurt.
- In meiner Freizeit lese ich gern und gehe spazieren.
You do not need complicated German in this part. The key is to answer calmly and ask your partner questions too.
Teil 2: Über ein Thema sprechen
In the second part, the candidate receives a short text on a topic. The topic may be travel, work, family, sport, shopping, transport or free time.
Your task is not to read the text aloud. You need to report the main information in your own words.
For Teil 2, use three steps:
- Say what the text is about.
- Summarise the opinion of the person in the text.
- Give your own opinion and add an example from your life.
For example, if the topic is Gruppenreisen, you could say:
In meinem Text geht es um Gruppenreisen. Die Person findet Gruppenreisen praktisch, weil man nicht alles allein organisieren muss. Außerdem kann man neue Leute kennenlernen.
Then add your own opinion:
Meiner Meinung nach sind Gruppenreisen eine gute Idee, weil man sich sicherer fühlt. Ich bin schon einmal mit einer Gruppe gereist, und das war interessant.
Useful phrases for Teil 2
- In meinem Text geht es um ... - My text is about ...
- Die Person sagt, dass ... - The person says that ...
- Meiner Meinung nach ... - In my opinion ...
- Aus meiner Erfahrung kann ich sagen, dass ... - From my experience, I can say that ...
The main tip: do not retell the whole text. Choose only the important ideas and speak in simple words.
Teil 3: Gemeinsam etwas planen
In the third part, two candidates plan something together. For example, a party, a trip, a meeting, a gift or help for a friend.
The task usually includes points you need to discuss:
- when it will happen
- where it will happen
- who to invite
- what to buy
- who will do what
- how much it will cost
It is important to discuss all points and avoid giving a monologue. Ask your partner questions, react to their ideas and reach a decision together.
Example dialogue
- Wann sollen wir die Party machen? - When should we have the party?
- Ich schlage Samstag vor. Da haben viele Leute Zeit. - I suggest Saturday. Many people have time then.
- Das ist eine gute Idee. Wo können wir feiern? - That is a good idea. Where can we celebrate?
Useful phrases for Teil 3
- Wir könnten ... - We could ...
- Ich schlage vor, dass ... - I suggest that ...
- Das ist eine gute Idee. - That is a good idea.
- Ich würde lieber ... - I would prefer to ...
- Wann hast du Zeit? - When do you have time?
Conclusion
The TELC B1 speaking exam is very trainable. Learn the structure of the three parts, practise short answers and prepare a small set of useful phrases. You do not need perfect German. You need to show that you can communicate in German.
For more practice, use our speaking exercises for all three parts of the oral exam.