--- title: "Goethe C1 Speaking: Presentation & Discussion" description: "Speaking (Sprechen) in the Goethe-Zertifikat C1: both parts – give a presentation and discuss. Structure, useful phrases, topics and examples." canonical: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1/speaking" url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1/speaking.md" locale: "en" provider: "Goethe" level: "C1" alternates: de: "https://prepliq.com/de/modelltest/goethe-zertifikat-deutsch-c1/sprechen.md" en: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1/speaking.md" fr: "https://prepliq.com/fr/examen-blanc/goethe-zertifikat-allemand-c1/expression-orale.md" it: "https://prepliq.com/it/simulazione-esame/goethe-zertifikat-tedesco-c1/parlato.md" es: "https://prepliq.com/es/modelo-de-examen/goethe-zertifikat-aleman-c1/expresion-oral.md" --- # Goethe-Zertifikat C1 – Speaking (Sprechen) > Speaking (Sprechen) in the Goethe-Zertifikat C1: both parts – give a presentation and discuss. Structure, useful phrases, topics and examples. ## 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. 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. - Parts: 2 - Tasks: 2 - Points: 100 - Time: 20 min - to pass: ~60 % - Difficulty: hard (4/5) ## The parts at a glance - [Part 1 – Presentation](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1/speaking/part-1) — Presentation · Presenting in a structured way · 1 Tasks · 60 Points. In Part 1 you give a ~5-minute presentation on a self-chosen topic and then answer follow-up questions. Here’s how to build it and speak convincingly. - [Part 2 – Discussion](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1/speaking/part-2) — Discussion · Discussing & negotiating · 1 Tasks · 40 Points. In Part 2 you discuss a controversial topic with your partner. Here’s how to exchange arguments and reach an agreement. ## Tips & strategy - **Structure the presentation clearly:** 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. - **Use the preparation time:** You have 20 minutes of preparation. Note keywords for your presentation and arguments for the discussion. - **Have useful phrases ready:** There are fixed phrases for presentation and discussion: structuring, weighing up, agreeing, disagreeing, negotiating. Learn a demanding set. - **Negotiate in the discussion:** Part 2 is a real conversation. Defend your position, engage with your partner and try to reach a joint solution. - **Speak in a differentiated and free way:** Speak in whole, connected sentences and justify in a differentiated way. Don’t read out – use your notes only as a support. - **Keep talking, don’t freeze:** 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 ## Free practice exercises - [Deutschlandfunk](https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/) — Debates and lectures as models for differentiated argument and phrases. - [Spektrum der Wissenschaft](https://www.spektrum.de/) — Demanding topics as a source of presentation and discussion material. ## 1-week study plan - Day 1 – **Learn the format:** Read this guide and look at an example of the oral exam: how do presentation and discussion work? - Day 2 – **Part 1 – build a presentation:** Learn the structure of a presentation: opening, example, arguments, reference to your home country, proposal, conclusion. - Day 3 – **Part 1 – practice presenting:** Give a ~5-minute presentation on various topics – structured and differentiated. - Day 4 – **Part 2 – gather arguments:** Gather arguments for and against controversial questions and practice justifying. - Day 5 – **Part 2 – practice discussing:** Discuss with a partner: agree, disagree, negotiate, find an agreement. - Day 6 – **Practice the full oral exam:** Run through both parts with a partner – presentation and discussion. - Day 7 – **Get 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. ## Ready for the exam? [Practice this part on Prepliq](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1?action=start§ionId=Oral%20Expression) ## Other exam parts - [Lesen](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1/reading) - [Hören](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1/listening) - [Schreiben](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1/writing) [Goethe-Zertifikat C1 – Speaking (Sprechen)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-c1/speaking)