TestDaF TDN 3 Speaking Task 6 – Describing a graphic and forming hypotheses
Task 6 of the Oral Expression is about: describing a graphic and forming hypotheses. Here’s how to respond to the situation correctly.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You describe a graphic and form conjectures about the causes.
- Describe the essentials and justify your hypotheses.
What this part tests
Task 6 tests whether you can describe a graphic and, beyond that, form hypotheses about causes or backgrounds – a more demanding speech act.
You first give the most important data of the graphic and then form justified conjectures about why the development happens.
What matters is a clear graphic description and plausible, linguistically marked hypotheses (“könnte daran liegen, dass …”, “ein möglicher Grund ist …”).
How to approach it
- 1
Introduce the graphic and describe the most important development.
- 2
Mark the transition to your conjectures.
- 3
Form one or two hypotheses about the causes.
- 4
Justify your hypotheses plausibly.
- 5
Sum up briefly at the end.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: the situation and a model answer.
Eine Grafik zeigt: Die Zahl der Menschen, die online einkaufen, ist stark gestiegen. Beschreiben Sie die Grafik und stellen Sie Vermutungen über die Gründe an.
Model answer:
Why? The answer first describes the graphic’s development and then forms justified hypotheses about the causes, clearly marked as conjectures – exactly what Task 6 expects.
Practice: test yourself
Eine Grafik zeigt: Die Zahl der Fahrradfahrer in der Stadt ist stark gestiegen. Du sollst die Grafik beschreiben und Vermutungen über die Gründe äußern.
Which sentence forms a justified hypothesis?
Common mistakes
Task 6 also requires hypotheses. Don’t stop at the description.
Use phrases like “könnte daran liegen, dass …” to mark conjectures clearly.
Your hypotheses should fit the topic and be justified.
Justify why you suspect a particular cause.
Tips
- Separate clearly: first describe, then hypotheses.
- Use hypothesis phrases (“ein möglicher Grund könnte sein, dass …”).
- Justify each conjecture briefly.
Frequently asked questions
What do I have to do in Task 6?
Describing a graphic and forming hypotheses. Respond to the given situation and use the suitable phrases.
How much preparation time do I have?
Only short preparation time. Quickly note keywords and a structure, then speak freely into the microphone.
Do I speak with an examiner?
No. The Oral Expression is computer-based – you speak alone into the microphone, and your answer is recorded.
What’s the best way to practice Task 6?
Practice this speech act with various situations, ideally out loud and recorded. A Prepliq mock grades your speaking automatically.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 700+ of the most important TestDaF TDN 3 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official TestDaF TDN 3 practice test – with answers and study material.