Oral Expression is the computer-based speaking module of the TestDaF exam. In seven tasks of increasing difficulty you respond to various situations. Here’s the structure, useful phrases and examples for each task.
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Key takeaways
Oral Expression is the fourth module of the TestDaF exam and is recorded on a computer. You don’t speak with an examiner but respond to given situations: you read and hear the task, then have short preparation time and speak into a microphone afterwards. The module lasts around 30 minutes.
There are seven tasks of increasing difficulty. They cover various speech acts from university life: getting information, reporting something to someone, describing a graphic, taking a stance in a discussion, weighing up alternatives and advising, forming hypotheses and taking a stance on an abstract topic.
The tasks correspond to different levels: the first are rather easy, the last demanding. What matters is the right speech act, a clear structure and free, fluent speaking. Fixed phrases per task type help you.
You speak freely and without a conversation partner into the microphone, with little preparation time. The biggest hurdle is quickly finding the right speech act and speaking in a structured way.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 – Get information | Getting information | Asking for information | 1 | 5 |
| Task 2 – Report & suggest | Reporting and making suggestions | Reporting & suggesting | 1 | 5 |
| Task 3 – Describe a graphic | Describing a graphic | Describing a graphic orally | 1 | 5 |
| Task 4 – Take a stance | Taking a stance in a discussion | Arguing | 1 | 5 |
| Task 5 – Weigh up & advise | Weighing up alternatives and advising | Weighing up & advising | 1 | 5 |
| Task 6 – Graphic & hypotheses | Describing a graphic and forming hypotheses | Describing & forming hypotheses | 1 | 5 |
| Task 7 – Take a stance (abstract) | Taking a stance on an abstract topic | Abstract argument | 1 | 5 |
Each task requires a specific act: ask, report, describe, discuss, advise, form hypotheses, take a stance. Recognize it immediately.
You have only short preparation time per task. Quickly note keywords and a structure.
There are fixed phrases for each task type. Learn a set so you speak confidently even under time pressure.
Even in the short speaking time: introduction, body, conclusion. Use structuring signals.
Speak until the time is up, but without rushing. Plan so that you fill the given time well.
Don’t read out your notes. Speak freely, coherently and in whole sentences.
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At TDN 4 you respond to the situations fluently and appropriately, structuring your answer and using suitable phrasing.
Learn a set of phrases for the various tasks:
The tasks become progressively more demanding:
Read this guide and look at the official Modelltest: how do the seven tasks work?
Practice getting information and reporting with suggestions.
Practice describing graphics orally with useful phrases.
Practice taking a stance in a discussion with arguments.
Practice weighing up and advising as well as forming hypotheses about a graphic.
Practice taking a stance on abstract topics and do a complete speaking run under time.
Have your speaking graded – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores speaking automatically.
At TDN 4 you respond to the situations fluently and appropriately, structuring your answer and using suitable phrasing. To reach TDN 4, handle the scientific Part 3 in reading and listening confidently and write and speak in a clearly structured, well-argued way – not just intelligibly.
It has seven tasks of increasing difficulty and is recorded by computer. You respond to given situations: read/hear, prepare briefly, speak into the microphone. The module lasts around 30 minutes.
No. Oral Expression is computer-based: you speak alone into the microphone, and your answers are recorded and graded later.
Only short preparation time per task (from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the task). Use it for keywords and a structure.
Like all TestDaF modules, speaking is graded in TDN levels. The seven tasks cover various levels; depending on your performance you reach TDN 3, 4 or 5. TDN 4 lies between B2 and C1 and is the level most universities require in all four parts. With TDN 4 four times over you are usually fully eligible to study.
Getting information, reporting and making suggestions, describing a graphic, taking a stance in a discussion, weighing up alternatives and advising, forming hypotheses and taking a stance on an abstract topic.
Practice all seven task types separately and under time pressure – ideally out loud and recorded. At Prepliq you practice speaking with a mock that scores your answers automatically – because the PDF answer key does not cover speaking.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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