Goethe-Zertifikat C2 · Sprechen
PresentationStructured & demanding presenting

Goethe C2 Speaking Part 1 – Give a Presentation

In Part 1 you give a ~5-minute presentation on a self-chosen topic and then answer questions. Here’s how to build it and speak convincingly.

As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format

1
Tasks
50
Points

Key takeaways

  • You give a ~5-minute presentation on one of two topics and then answer questions.
  • Weigh up different standpoints, give examples and make your stance clear.

What this part tests

Part 1 (production) tests whether you can present on a topic freely, in a structured way and at the highest level. You choose one of two topics and give a roughly five-minute presentation; afterwards you answer questions about it.

A good presentation weighs up different standpoints (often based on given quotes), gives examples and makes your personal stance clear. A clear structure and demanding language matter – differentiated vocabulary and complex structures.

The most common losses of marks: no clear structure, no weighing up, simple language, reading out instead of speaking freely. Whoever presents in a structured, differentiated and stylistically assured way convinces.

What you practice:Structured presentingWeighing up standpointsDemanding speaking

How to approach it

  1. 1

    Choose the topic you can say more about.

  2. 2

    In the preparation, plan structure, standpoints and examples.

  3. 3

    Introduce the topic and announce the structure.

  4. 4

    Weigh up different standpoints and give examples.

  5. 5

    Make your personal stance clear and close.

  6. 6

    Then answer the questions freely and in a differentiated way.

Example task with answer

A short example in the same format: how to build the presentation.

Aufgabe

Halten Sie einen ~5-minütigen Vortrag zum Thema „Soziale Netzwerke im Internet". Wägen Sie unterschiedliche Standpunkte ab, geben Sie Beispiele und machen Sie Ihre persönliche Haltung deutlich.

Example (extract from the opening):

Answer: In meinem Vortrag möchte ich der Frage nachgehen, wie soziale Netzwerke unser Zusammenleben verändern. Auf der einen Seite ermöglichen sie es, dass sich weltweit Millionen Menschen vernetzen und Wissen teilen – ein unbestreitbarer Gewinn. Auf der anderen Seite werden persönliche Daten weitergegeben und Persönlichkeitsrechte verletzt. Wer meint, soziale Netzwerke hätten nur positive oder nur negative Effekte, greift meines Erachtens zu kurz. Meine Position ist daher eindeutig: Entscheidend ist nicht die Technik selbst, sondern ein bewusster, kritischer Umgang mit ihr.

Why? The presentation introduces the topic, weighs up standpoints (“Auf der einen Seite … auf der anderen Seite …”), gives examples, makes the personal stance clear and uses demanding language – exactly what Part 1 expects.

Practice: test yourself

In Teil 1 hältst du einen Vortrag zum Thema „Die Bedeutung von Heimat".

Which sentence opens the presentation well?

Common mistakes

1
No clear structure

Without introduction, body and conclusion the presentation feels disordered. Follow a fixed structure.

2
Not weighing up

At C2 you should weigh up different standpoints, not just state one opinion.

3
Simple language

Use demanding vocabulary and complex structures. Avoid simple repetitions.

4
Reading out

Use your notes only as a support. Speaking freely is expected at C2.

Tips

  • Learn a fixed structure: opening – weighing up standpoints – examples – stance – conclusion.
  • Use structuring signals and demanding phrases.
  • Practice the ~5-minute presentation aloud so you speak freely and with assured style.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the presentation last?

About 5 minutes, followed by questions about it.

How is a good presentation structured?

With a clear opening and conclusion, the weighing up of different standpoints, examples and a clear personal stance.

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 and demanding language. A Prepliq mock grades your speaking automatically.

Other parts

Useful resources

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