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.
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Key takeaways
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.
| 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 |
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.
Try this section in the real exam format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
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Learn a demanding set of phrases for both parts:
The topics in the oral exam come from society, education and current affairs:
Read this guide and look at an example of the oral exam: how do presentation and discussion work?
Learn the structure of a presentation: opening, example, arguments, reference to your home country, proposal, conclusion.
Give a ~5-minute presentation on various topics – structured and differentiated.
Gather arguments for and against controversial questions and practice justifying.
Discuss with a partner: agree, disagree, negotiate, find an agreement.
Run through both parts with a partner – presentation and discussion.
Have your speaking graded – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores speaking automatically.
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.
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.
Yes, 20 minutes. You prepare alone and may make notes. In the exam you should speak freely.
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.
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.
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.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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