TestDaF TDN 4 Speaking Task 3 – Describing a graphic
Task 3 of the Oral Expression is about: describing a graphic. Here’s how to respond to the situation correctly.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You describe a graphic or statistics to fellow students.
- Give the most important data and developments – not every number.
What this part tests
Task 3 tests whether you can describe a graphic or statistics orally – for example in a seminar for your fellow students.
You give the most important data, developments and comparisons of the graphic. It’s about the essentials, not every single number.
What matters is a clear introduction, suitable phrases (steigen, sinken, im Vergleich zu) and a coherent talk.
How to approach it
- 1
Introduce the graphic (“Die Grafik zeigt …”).
- 2
Say what it’s about and from which period the data comes.
- 3
Describe the most important developments and striking points.
- 4
Use phrases like “steigt”, “sinkt”, “am höchsten”.
- 5
Sum up briefly at the end.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: the situation and a model answer.
Beschreiben Sie in einem Seminar eine Grafik: Die Zahl der Studierenden im Fach Informatik ist von 2010 bis 2023 stark gestiegen.
Model answer:
Why? The answer introduces the graphic, names topic and period, describes the central development with phrases and sums up – exactly what Task 3 expects.
Practice: test yourself
Du sollst in einem Seminar eine Grafik beschreiben: Die Zahl der Bibliotheksbesuche ist von 2015 bis 2023 stark gesunken.
Which sentence describes the graphic appropriately?
Common mistakes
Select the essentials. Not every number is important.
Introduce the graphic before naming data.
Without phrases like “steigt”, “sinkt” the description sounds clunky.
In Task 3 you only describe. Your opinion doesn’t come here yet.
Tips
- Learn phrases for developments and comparisons.
- Select the most striking points of the graphic.
- Practice describing real graphics out loud.
Frequently asked questions
What do I have to do in Task 3?
Describing a graphic. 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 3?
Practice this speech act with various situations, ideally out loud and recorded. A Prepliq mock grades your speaking automatically.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 800+ of the most important TestDaF TDN 4 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official TestDaF TDN 4 practice test – with answers and study material.