TestDaF TDN 5 Speaking Task 1 – Getting information
Task 1 of the Oral Expression is about: getting information. Here’s how to respond to the situation correctly.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You call a place or address someone to get information.
- Ask polite, clear questions about the given points.
What this part tests
Task 1 tests whether you can ask for information purposefully in an everyday situation – for example by phone at an advice center, language school or authority.
You get a situation and some points you need information about. You formulate polite, clear questions about them.
It is one of the easier tasks. What matters is a polite opening, clear questions about all points and an appropriate tone.
How to approach it
- 1
Grasp the situation and the points you should ask about.
- 2
Begin with a polite greeting or opening.
- 3
Ask a clear question about each point.
- 4
Phrase it politely (“Könnten Sie mir sagen …?”).
- 5
Thank the person briefly at the end.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: the situation and a model answer.
Sie möchten sich bei einer Sprachschule über einen Deutschkurs informieren. Fragen Sie nach: Beginn, Dauer und Kosten.
Model answer:
Why? The answer begins politely, asks clear questions about all three points (start, duration, cost) and ends with thanks – exactly what Task 1 expects.
Practice: test yourself
Du möchtest dich bei einer Sprachschule über einen Kurs informieren.
Which sentence gets information politely?
Common mistakes
Ask polite questions (“Könnten Sie …?”), not demands.
Ask about all the given points – a missing point costs marks.
Form whole questions, not just keywords.
Use the speaking time and ask all questions in full.
Tips
- Learn polite question forms by heart.
- Tick off all the points you should ask about.
- Begin with a greeting and end with thanks.
Frequently asked questions
What do I have to do in Task 1?
Getting information. 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 1?
Practice this speech act with various situations, ideally out loud and recorded. A Prepliq mock grades your speaking automatically.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 1500+ of the most important TestDaF TDN 5 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official TestDaF TDN 5 practice test – with answers and study material.