telc German B2 · Mündlicher Ausdruck
Problem-solvingNegotiating & agreeing

telc B2 Speaking Part 3 – Solving a Problem Together

In Part 3 you plan something or solve a problem together and reach an agreement. Here’s how to make proposals and arrive at a compromise.

As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format

1
Tasks
25
Points

Key takeaways

  • You plan something or solve a problem together and reach an agreement.
  • Make proposals, weigh up and arrive at a compromise.

What this part tests

Part 3 tests whether you can solve a task with your partner and negotiate a compromise. You get a situation – for example “Plan a farewell party together” or “Find a solution to a problem in the team” – and discuss what, when, where and how you’ll do it. Only the situation is given; the details are up to you.

It’s about cooperation: making proposals, responding to your partner’s proposals, weighing up and reaching a joint decision at the end. A good contribution is not just “yes” or “no”, but a concrete proposal with a short reason – and the willingness to find a compromise.

Whoever has phrases for proposals, agreement, objections and compromises ready plans fluently. What matters is that you really reach a result – an open conversation without an agreement looks incomplete.

What you practice:Making proposalsResponding to proposalsFinding a compromise

How to approach it

  1. 1

    Read the task and consider which points you need to settle (what, when, where, who).

  2. 2

    Make a concrete proposal and justify it briefly (“Ich würde vorschlagen, …, weil …”).

  3. 3

    Respond to your partner’s proposals – agree, add or suggest an alternative.

  4. 4

    Where you disagree, weigh up and look for a compromise.

  5. 5

    Close with a clear agreement and a division of tasks.

Example task with answer

A short example in the same format: how to plan together and agree on a compromise.

Aufgabe

Plant gemeinsam eine kleine Abschiedsfeier für einen Kollegen, der die Firma verlässt. Klärt Zeitpunkt, Ort, Essen und ein Geschenk.

Example planning (extract):

Answer: Ich würde vorschlagen, die Feier am Freitagnachmittag im Büro zu machen. – Gute Idee, allerdings wäre ein Restaurant am Abend vielleicht persönlicher. – Stimmt, dann machen wir es als Kompromiss am Freitagabend in einem kleinen Restaurant. Ich kümmere mich um die Reservierung, kannst du ein Geschenk organisieren? – Einverstanden, das übernehme ich. Dann halten wir das so fest.

Why? The example makes concrete proposals with reasons, brings an objection, looks for a compromise (“dann machen wir es als Kompromiss …”), divides the tasks and confirms the agreement at the end – exactly what’s expected in Part 3.

Practice: test yourself

In Teil 3 sollt ihr gemeinsam eine Abschiedsfeier für einen Kollegen planen.

Which sentence moves the joint planning forward well?

Common mistakes

1
No concrete proposals

“Ja, machen wir was” isn’t enough. Make concrete proposals with a reason.

2
Leaving it all to your partner

Part 3 is teamwork – bring your own ideas and respond actively.

3
Not seeking a compromise

When you disagree it’s about negotiating. Find a solution that works for both.

4
No agreement

Without a joint result the conversation looks incomplete. Settle on a decision at the end.

Tips

  • Learn phrases for proposals (“Ich würde vorschlagen, …”), objections and compromises (“ein guter Kompromiss wäre …”).
  • Make sure you really reach an agreement at the end.
  • Respond to your partner and look for a compromise instead of pushing through your idea.

Frequently asked questions

What do I have to do in Part 3?

Solve a task with your partner – plan something or clarify a problem – and agree on a solution at the end.

How do I make a good proposal?

With phrases like “Ich würde vorschlagen, …” or “Wie wäre es, wenn wir …?” and a short reason. That moves the planning forward.

What if we disagree?

That’s exactly the point: weigh up and find a compromise that works for both. A good conversation ends with an agreement.

What’s the best way to practice Part 3?

Run through various situations with a partner and practice negotiating. A Prepliq mock scores your speaking automatically against the official criteria.

Other parts

Useful resources

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