telc German B1 · Mündlicher Ausdruck
Conversation / introductionsTalking about yourself

telc B1 Mündliche Prüfung Part 1 – Introductions

In Part 1 you introduce yourself and talk about everyday topics. Here’s how to get into the conversation confidently.

As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format

1
Tasks
15
Points

Key takeaways

  • You introduce yourself and talk about everyday topics like job and hobbies.
  • Respond to your partner and ask follow-up questions.

What this part tests

Part 1 tests whether you can introduce yourself and hold a simple getting-to-know conversation. You talk about yourself – name, where you’re from, job, hobbies – and react to your partner. Often there’s a given keyword or topic you exchange views on.

It’s about fluent, coherent speaking, not a perfect self-presentation. Importantly, you shouldn’t just recite a memorized text but also listen and ask follow-up questions – the exam is a conversation, not a monologue.

If you have a few phrases for introducing yourself and asking back, you get into the conversation relaxed. Speak in full sentences, give short reasons (“… weil ich gern …”) and involve your partner.

What you practice:Introducing yourselfSpeaking freelyResponding to your partner

How to approach it

  1. 1

    In the preparation, note keywords about your job, hobbies and daily life.

  2. 2

    Introduce yourself in full sentences – name, origin, what you do.

  3. 3

    Give short reasons or examples (“In meiner Freizeit … weil …”).

  4. 4

    Ask your partner follow-up questions (“Und du?”, “Was machst du gern?”).

  5. 5

    React to their answers instead of just running through your own text.

Example task with answer

A short example in the same format: how to introduce yourself and start the conversation (phrases in German).

Task

Introduce yourself to your conversation partner and talk about your job and hobbies.

Example phrases (excerpt):

Answer: Hallo, ich heiße Sofia und komme aus Spanien. Ich arbeite als Krankenschwester in einem Krankenhaus. In meiner Freizeit koche ich gern und mache Yoga, weil ich mich dabei entspanne. Und du, was machst du in deiner Freizeit?

Why? The example introduces itself in full sentences (name, origin, job, hobbies), gives a short reason (“weil ich mich dabei entspanne”) and involves the partner with a follow-up question – exactly what Part 1 expects.

Practice: test yourself

In Part 1 you want to get to know your conversation partner.

Which question fits to start the conversation?

Common mistakes

1
A memorized monologue

A rigid text sounds unnatural and ignores the partner. Speak freely and react.

2
Only one-word answers

“Ja.” or “Fußball.” isn’t enough. Speak in full sentences with a short reason.

3
Not involving the partner

It’s a conversation – ask follow-up questions and listen.

4
Freezing on a missing word

Paraphrase the word or ask, instead of going silent.

Tips

  • Have two or three follow-up questions ready to keep the conversation going.
  • Speak slowly and clearly – that sounds more confident than fast, choppy speech.
  • Prepare vocabulary about your hobbies and your job.

Frequently asked questions

What do I talk about in Part 1?

About yourself and your daily life: name, origin, job, hobbies – and you react to your conversation partner.

Do I have to memorize a text?

No. Learn phrases instead and speak freely. A memorized text sounds unnatural and rarely fits exactly.

How long do I speak in Part 1?

Part 1 is short – it’s about getting to know each other. Speak in full sentences and keep the conversation going with follow-up questions.

What’s the best way to practice Part 1?

Introduce yourself out loud and practice follow-up questions. In a Prepliq mock you practice speaking with automatic grading.

Other parts

Useful resources

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