telc German C1 – Oral Expression (Speaking)
In Oral Expression – the speaking exam – you speak in two parts, usually in pairs with a partner. Here are the structure, useful phrases, topics and examples for each part.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- The speaking exam has 2 parts and lasts around 16 minutes – usually as a paired exam.
- Part 1: give a presentation · Part 2: discuss and find a consensus together.
- Beforehand you get around 20 minutes of preparation time. 48 points in total.
Overview
Oral Expression – the speaking exam – is the last part of the telc C1 exam. You speak in two parts, usually in pairs with another candidate. The exam lasts around 16 minutes; beforehand you get about 20 minutes of preparation time. In total you can earn 48 points.
It tests whether you can express yourself in a differentiated and almost effortless way at C1 level: present a topic in a structured way, respond to questions, argue in a discussion, address counter-arguments and reach a result together. It’s about fluent, well-structured speaking and genuine interaction with your partner.
The two parts call for two abilities: in Part 1 you give a short presentation (around 5 minutes) on a topic and then answer questions. In Part 2 you discuss a topic or quote with your partner and try to reach a consensus together. Fixed phrases help you speak confidently in both parts.
Very doable with preparation and phrases. Demanding are the structured presentation, differentiated argumentation and genuinely engaging with your partner.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Presentation | Presentation | Presenting | 1 | 24 |
| Part 2 – Discussion & consensus | Discussion & consensus | Arguing & negotiating | 1 | 24 |
Tips & strategy
You have around 20 minutes of preparation. Structure your presentation (Part 1) and note arguments and phrases – but don’t learn a whole text by heart.
Part 1 is a presentation of around 5 minutes. Structure it clearly: introduction, several points with examples, conclusion. A clear structure looks assured.
In Part 2 an opinion isn’t enough – justify it, weigh up (einerseits/andererseits) and engage with your partner’s arguments.
Speak above all with your partner, not with the examiner. Listen, refer to their statements and disagree politely.
In Part 2 you should reach a result. Make suggestions, weigh up and agree on a common position or solution at the end.
If a word escapes you, paraphrase it. What matters is that you speak fluently and coherently and stay in the conversation.
Useful phrases
Learn a fixed set of phrases for the two parts:
- Presenting (Part 1)
- Ich möchte über … sprechen. / Zunächst gehe ich auf … ein. / Ein weiterer Aspekt ist … / Abschließend …
- Opinion & argument (Part 2)
- Meiner Ansicht nach … / Dafür spricht, dass … / Einerseits …, andererseits … / Ich bin überzeugt, dass …
- Agreeing & disagreeing
- Da gebe ich Ihnen recht. / Das sehe ich anders, weil … / Das mag zutreffen, allerdings …
- Finding consensus (Part 2)
- Können wir uns darauf einigen, dass …? / Ein guter Kompromiss wäre … / Dann halten wir fest, dass …
- Asking back
- Wie sehen Sie das? / Was meinen Sie dazu? / Sind Sie einverstanden?
Common topics
The presentation and discussion topics come from society, education and current affairs:
- Education & university
- studying, lifelong learning, educational opportunities
- Work & society
- the world of work, work-life balance, change
- Technology & digitalization
- AI, social media, data protection
- Environment & sustainability
- climate protection, consumption, mobility
- Culture & media
- media consumption, culture, language
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and look at an example of the speaking exam: how do the presentation and discussion run?
- Day2Part 1 – present
Practice presentations of around 5 minutes on various topics. Structure clearly and practice answering follow-up questions.
- Day3Part 2 – discuss
Practice justifying your opinion on a thesis, weighing up and engaging with counter-arguments.
- Day4Find consensus
Practice with a partner reaching a common result at the end of a discussion.
- Day5Topics & vocabulary
Prepare vocabulary and arguments for common topics: education, work, technology, environment.
- Day6Practice the full speaking exam
Run through both parts with a partner – with preparation time and under real conditions.
- Day7Get feedback
Have your speaking assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores speaking automatically.
Are you ready?
- I give a clearly structured presentation of around 5 minutes.
- I answer follow-up questions about my presentation in a differentiated way.
- I argue in a discussion and engage with counter-arguments.
- I disagree politely and with reasons.
- I reach a common consensus with my partner.
- I speak fluently and coherently, even when a word escapes me.
Frequently asked questions
How is the telc C1 speaking exam structured?
It has two parts: Part 1 (presentation and questions about it) and Part 2 (discussion with consensus-finding). It lasts around 16 minutes, usually as a paired exam.
Do I take the speaking exam alone or in a pair?
Usually in a pair with another candidate (paired exam). In Part 2 you discuss with each other. With an odd number, an individual or three-person exam is also possible.
Do I get preparation time?
Yes. Before the speaking exam you have around 20 minutes to structure your presentation and note arguments and phrases – but not to memorize a whole text.
How long is the presentation in Part 1?
The presentation lasts around 5 minutes. Afterwards you answer questions from your partner about it.
How is the speaking exam assessed?
Above all on fluent and coherent speaking, fulfilling the task, arguing and engaging with your partner, and accuracy. There are 48 points in total.
Which topics come up in the speaking exam?
Demanding factual and social topics like education, work, technology or the environment. In Part 2 you often discuss a quote or thesis and look for a consensus.
What’s the best way to practice the speaking exam?
Practice presentations, gather arguments on many topics and discuss regularly with a partner. At Prepliq you practice speaking with a mock that scores your answers automatically against the official criteria – the PDF answer key doesn’t cover speaking.