Goethe-Zertifikat B2 – Speaking (Sprechen)
In the Speaking module – the oral exam – you give a presentation (Part 1) and discuss with your partner (Part 2). Here’s the structure, useful phrases and examples for both parts.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- The oral exam has 2 parts and lasts around 15 minutes – usually as a paired exam (plus preparation time).
- Part 1: give a presentation on a topic · Part 2: discuss a topic.
- Each module is scored out of 100 points; to pass you need 60 of 100.
Overview
Speaking – the oral exam – is the fourth module of the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 exam. You speak in two parts, usually in a pair with another candidate. Beforehand you have preparation time. The exam itself lasts around 15 minutes.
It tests whether you can present coherently on a topic and defend your opinion in a discussion. It’s about clear structure, good arguments, suitable phrases and the ability to respond to your partner.
The two parts call for two skills: in Part 1 you give a short presentation on a topic – structured, with pros and cons and your opinion; then there are follow-up questions. In Part 2 you discuss a question with your partner, exchange arguments and reach a conclusion.
The presentation requires free, structured speaking, the discussion real argument and response. Manageable with useful phrases and practice.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Presentation | Presentation | Presenting in a structured way | 1 | 52 |
| Part 2 – Discussion | Discussion | Discussing | 1 | 48 |
Tips & strategy
In Part 1 you need a clear structure: introduction, pros, cons, your opinion, conclusion. Learn this structure by heart.
In the preparation note keywords for your presentation and possible arguments for the discussion.
There are fixed phrases for presentation and discussion: structuring, weighing up, agreeing, disagreeing. Learn a set by heart.
Part 2 is a real conversation. Listen to your partner, address their arguments, agree or disagree with reasons.
Speak in whole, connected sentences and justify your statements. Link with “weil”, “dennoch”, “im Gegensatz dazu”.
If a word is missing, paraphrase it. What matters is that you stay fluent and keep the conversation going.
Useful phrases
Learn a set of phrases for both parts:
- Structuring (Part 1)
- Mein Thema ist … / Zuerst möchte ich … / Ein Vorteil ist …, ein Nachteil dagegen … / Zusammenfassend …
- Opinion (Parts 1 & 2)
- Ich bin der Meinung, dass … / Meiner Ansicht nach … / Ich vertrete den Standpunkt, …
- Agreeing (Part 2)
- Da stimme ich dir zu. / Das sehe ich genauso. / Du hast recht, dass …
- Disagreeing (Part 2)
- Das sehe ich anders. / Da bin ich anderer Meinung. / Einerseits ja, aber andererseits …
Common topics
The topics in the oral exam come from society and everyday life:
- Presentation topics (Part 1)
- media, environment, work, education, health, consumption
- Discussion questions (Part 2)
- controversial questions, e.g. “Sollte man …?”
- Aspects
- pros and cons · own experience · examples · own opinion
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and look at an example of the oral exam: how do presentation and discussion work?
- Day2Part 1 – build a presentation
Learn the structure of a presentation: introduction, pros, cons, opinion, conclusion.
- Day3Part 1 – practice presenting
Give a short presentation on various topics – structured and with reasons.
- Day4Part 2 – gather arguments
Gather arguments for and against controversial questions and practice justifying.
- Day5Part 2 – practice discussing
Discuss with a partner: agree, disagree, respond, find a conclusion.
- Day6Practice the full oral exam
Run through both parts with a partner – presentation and discussion.
- Day7Get feedback
Have your speaking graded – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores speaking automatically.
Are you ready?
- I can structure a presentation clearly (introduction, pros and cons, opinion, conclusion).
- I can justify my statements and support them with examples.
- I can defend my opinion in a discussion.
- I can agree and disagree with reasons.
- I respond to my partner’s arguments.
- I stay in the conversation even when a word is missing.
Frequently asked questions
How is the oral exam in the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 structured?
It has two parts: Part 1 (give a presentation on a topic) and Part 2 (discuss a topic with your partner). It lasts around 15 minutes, usually as a paired exam, with preparation time beforehand.
Do I take the oral exam alone or in a pair?
Usually in a pair with another candidate. In Part 1 you give your own presentation, in Part 2 you discuss together.
Do I get preparation time?
Yes. Before the exam you have time to note keywords for your presentation and arguments for the discussion.
How is the oral exam graded?
You’re graded above all on task completion, pronunciation, vocabulary, correctness and interaction. Each module is scored out of 100 points; to pass you need 60.
Which topics come up?
Social and everyday topics like media, environment, work or education. In Part 1 you give a presentation, in Part 2 you discuss a controversial question.
What’s the best way to practice the oral exam?
Practice structured presenting and discussing – ideally out loud and with a partner. At Prepliq you practice speaking with a mock that scores your answers automatically – because the PDF answer key does not cover speaking.