Goethe C1 Speaking (Sprechen) Part 1 – Give a Presentation
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.
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Key takeaways
- You give a ~5-minute presentation on one of two topics and then answer follow-up questions.
- Treat the guide points: example, arguments for/against, reference to your home country, proposal.
What this part tests
Part 1 tests whether you can present on a topic freely, coherently and in a differentiated way. You choose one of two topics and give a short presentation (about 5 minutes); afterwards the others ask you questions (about 2 minutes).
A good presentation treats the given guide points: give an example, argue for or against something, refer to the situation in your home country or another country, and name a proposal or measure. A clear structure and demanding language matter.
The most common losses of marks: no clear structure, forgetting a guide point, reading out instead of speaking freely. Whoever presents in a structured way, treats the guide points and argues in a differentiated way convinces.
How to approach it
- 1
Choose the topic you can say more about.
- 2
In the preparation, plan your structure and keywords.
- 3
Introduce the topic and announce the structure.
- 4
Treat the guide points: example, arguments for/against, reference to your home country, proposal.
- 5
Sum up at the end and state your position.
- 6
Then answer the follow-up questions freely and in a differentiated way.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: how to build the presentation.
Halten Sie einen Vortrag zum Thema „Ist eine geschlechtergerechte Sprache wünschenswert?". Geben Sie ein Beispiel, argumentieren Sie für oder gegen eine neutrale Sprache und gehen Sie auf die Situation in Ihrem Heimatland ein.
Example (extract from the opening):
Why? The presentation introduces the topic, gives an example, argues for and against, refers to the home country and states a balanced position – exactly what Part 1 expects.
Practice: test yourself
In Teil 1 hältst du einen Vortrag zum Thema „Sollten Schülerinnen und Schüler für Klimaschutzdemonstrationen dem Unterricht fernbleiben dürfen?".
Which sentence opens the presentation well?
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Common mistakes
Without introduction, body and conclusion the presentation feels disordered. Follow a fixed structure.
Treat all given guide points (example, arguments, home country, proposal).
Use your notes only as a support. Speaking freely is expected at C1.
The presentation should last about 5 minutes. Plan enough content.
Tips
- Learn a fixed structure: opening – example – arguments – home country – proposal – conclusion.
- Use structuring signals like “zunächst”, “darüber hinaus”, “abschließend”.
- Practice the ~5-minute presentation aloud so you speak freely and coherently.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the presentation last?
About 5 minutes, followed by around 2 minutes of follow-up questions from the others.
How is a good presentation structured?
With a clear opening and conclusion and treatment of all guide points: example, arguments for/against, reference to your home country, proposal.
May I use my notes?
You may make notes in the preparation and use them as a support, but you should speak freely and not read out.
What’s the best way to practice Part 1?
Practice ~5-minute presentations on many topics with the same structure. A Prepliq mock grades your speaking automatically.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 800+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat C1 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat C1 practice test – with answers and study material.
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