Goethe-Zertifikat C1 – 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 – as a paired or individual exam (plus 20 minutes of preparation).
- Part 1: give a presentation on a self-chosen 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 C1 exam. You speak in two parts, usually in a pair with another candidate (an individual exam is also possible). Beforehand you have 20 minutes of preparation; notes are allowed, and in the exam you speak freely.
It tests whether you can present on a topic in a structured and differentiated way and defend and negotiate your position in a discussion. It’s about clear structure, demanding arguments, suitable phrases and the ability to engage with your partner.
The two parts call for two skills: in Part 1 you give a short presentation (about 5 minutes) on one of two topics and then talk about it with the others; you treat given guide points. In Part 2 you hold a discussion with your partner, exchange arguments and reach an agreement.
The presentation requires free, structured and differentiated speaking over several minutes, the discussion real argument and negotiation. 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 | 60 |
| Part 2 – Discussion | Discussion | Discussing & negotiating | 1 | 40 |
Tips & strategy
In Part 1 you need a clear structure and must treat the guide points: opening, example, arguments (for/against), reference to your home country, proposal, conclusion.
You have 20 minutes of preparation. Note keywords for your presentation and arguments for the discussion.
There are fixed phrases for presentation and discussion: structuring, weighing up, agreeing, disagreeing, negotiating. Learn a demanding set.
Part 2 is a real conversation. Defend your position, engage with your partner and try to reach a joint solution.
Speak in whole, connected sentences and justify in a differentiated way. Don’t read out – use your notes only as a support.
If a word is missing, paraphrase it. What matters is that you stay fluent and keep the conversation going.
Useful phrases
Learn a demanding set of phrases for both parts:
- Structuring (Part 1)
- Mein Thema lautet … / Zunächst möchte ich … / Ein Beispiel hierfür ist … / Abschließend …
- Position (Parts 1 & 2)
- Ich bin der Überzeugung, dass … / Aus meiner Sicht … / Es spricht einiges dafür/dagegen, …
- Agreeing (Part 2)
- Da gebe ich dir recht. / Das ist ein überzeugendes Argument. / Dem kann ich nur zustimmen.
- Disagreeing & negotiating (Part 2)
- Das sehe ich differenzierter. / Dem möchte ich entgegenhalten, … / Könnten wir uns darauf einigen, dass …?
Common topics
The topics in the oral exam come from society, education and current affairs:
- Presentation topics (Part 1)
- education, language, environment, society, technology
- Discussion topics (Part 2)
- controversial questions, e.g. a duty or a ban
- Aspects
- example · arguments for/against · reference to your home country · proposal/measure
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: opening, example, arguments, reference to your home country, proposal, conclusion.
- Day3Part 1 – practice presenting
Give a ~5-minute presentation on various topics – structured and differentiated.
- Day4Part 2 – gather arguments
Gather arguments for and against controversial questions and practice justifying.
- Day5Part 2 – practice discussing
Discuss with a partner: agree, disagree, negotiate, find an agreement.
- 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 ~5-minute presentation clearly and treat the guide points.
- I can argue in a differentiated way and support with examples.
- I can respond to follow-up questions after the presentation.
- I can defend and negotiate my position in a discussion.
- I can agree and disagree in a differentiated way.
- I stay free and fluent even when a word is missing.
Frequently asked questions
How is the oral exam in the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 structured?
It has two parts: Part 1 (give a presentation on one of two topics and talk about it) and Part 2 (discuss a topic with your partner). It lasts around 15 minutes, as a paired or individual exam, with 20 minutes of preparation.
Do I take the oral exam alone or in a pair?
Usually in a pair with another candidate, but an individual exam is also possible. In Part 1 you give your own presentation, in Part 2 you discuss together.
Do I get preparation time?
Yes, 20 minutes. You prepare alone and may make notes. In the exam you should speak freely.
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, educational and current topics. In Part 1 you give a presentation on a self-chosen topic, in Part 2 you discuss a controversial question.
What’s the best way to practice the oral exam?
Practice structured presenting over several minutes 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.