Goethe-Zertifikat C2 – Speaking (Sprechen)
In the Speaking module – the oral exam – you give a presentation (Part 1) and hold a discussion (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 (plus 15 minutes of preparation).
- Part 1: give a ~5-minute presentation · Part 2: hold a discussion.
- 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 C2 exam (GDS). It has two parts and lasts around 15 minutes. Beforehand you have 15 minutes of preparation for both parts; in the exam you speak freely.
It tests whether you can present on a topic at the highest level and defend your position convincingly in a discussion. It’s about a clear structure, demanding language (vocabulary and structures), a clear personal stance and the ability to argue in a differentiated way and convince.
The two parts call for two skills: in Part 1 (production) you give a roughly five-minute presentation on a self-chosen topic, weigh up different standpoints and then answer questions. In Part 2 (interaction) you hold a discussion, defend your position with examples and try to convince your counterpart.
The presentation requires free, structured speaking at the highest level, the discussion convincing, differentiated argument. Manageable only with a lot of practice.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Presentation | Presentation | Structured & demanding presenting | 1 | 50 |
| Part 2 – Discussion | Discussion | Convincing discussion | 1 | 50 |
Tips & strategy
In Part 1 you need a clear structure, weigh up different standpoints and make your personal stance clear. Learn a fixed structure.
You have 15 minutes of preparation for both parts. Note keywords and examples for presentation and discussion.
At C2 differentiated vocabulary and complex structures count. Vary your language and avoid simple repetitions.
Part 2 is interaction. Defend your position with examples, engage with the arguments and try to convince.
Support your positions with concrete examples. That makes your argument convincing and vivid.
Don’t read out – use your notes only as a support. Free, coherent and fluent speaking is expected at C2.
Useful phrases
Learn a demanding set of phrases for both parts:
- Structuring (Part 1)
- Mein Vortrag gliedert sich in … / Zunächst … / Daran anschließend … / Abschließend …
- Weighing up standpoints
- Auf der einen Seite … auf der anderen Seite … / Während die einen … betonen, … / Dem ist entgegenzuhalten, …
- Stance (Parts 1 & 2)
- Meine Position dazu ist eindeutig: … / Ich bin fest davon überzeugt, dass … / Aus meiner Sicht überwiegt …
- Convincing (Part 2)
- Bedenken Sie doch, dass … / Genau hier liegt der entscheidende Punkt: … / Lässt sich das nicht auch so sehen, dass …?
Common topics
The topics in the oral exam are demanding and socially relevant:
- Presentation topics (Part 1)
- home, globalization, new media, education, values
- Discussion topics (Part 2)
- controversial questions, e.g. the future of print media, pro/contra
- Aspects
- weighing up standpoints · giving examples · personal stance · convincing
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, weighing up standpoints, examples, personal stance, conclusion.
- Day3Part 1 – practice presenting
Give a ~5-minute presentation on various topics – free, structured and with demanding language.
- Day4Part 2 – gather arguments
Gather arguments and examples for controversial questions and practice convincing.
- Day5Part 2 – practice discussing
Discuss with a partner: defend your position, engage with arguments, convince.
- Day6Practice the full oral exam
Run through both parts – 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.
- I can weigh up different standpoints and make my stance clear.
- I can engage with follow-up questions about the presentation.
- I can defend my position with examples in a discussion.
- I can engage with arguments and try to convince.
- I use demanding language and speak freely and fluently.
Frequently asked questions
How is the oral exam in the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 structured?
It has two parts: Part 1 (production – give a ~5-minute presentation and answer questions) and Part 2 (interaction – hold a discussion). It lasts around 15 minutes, with 15 minutes of preparation.
Do I give the presentation alone?
Yes. In Part 1 you give your presentation alone and answer questions afterwards. In Part 2 you hold a discussion with your examiner or a partner.
Do I get preparation time?
Yes, 15 minutes for both parts. 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, demanding vocabulary, correctness and interaction. Each module is scored out of 100 points; to pass you need 60.
Which topics come up?
Demanding, socially relevant topics such as home, new media or the future of print media. In Part 1 you choose a topic, in Part 2 you discuss a controversial question.
What’s the best way to practice the oral exam?
Practice structured presenting and convincing discussion – 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.