German B2 speaking exam: telc, Goethe and ÖSD compared
Redaktion · 7 October 2026 · 4 min read
In short
The B2 speaking exam at telc and Goethe is usually taken in pairs. telc B2 has three parts (talking about experiences, discussion, planning together), 20 minutes' preparation and 75 points. Goethe B2 has a talk of about 4 minutes and a discussion, after 15 minutes' preparation. ÖSD B2 has three tasks and 15 minutes' preparation.
The three exams side by side
| telc Deutsch B2 | Goethe-Zertifikat B2 | ÖSD Zertifikat B2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | in pairs, also in threes | usually in pairs, alone only in exceptional cases | alone or in pairs |
| Preparation | 20 min | 15 min | 15 min |
| Length | about 15 min (in threes about 25) | about 15 min | about 15 min alone, about 20 in pairs |
| Parts | talk about experiences; discuss a text; plan something together | talk with questions; discussion | get to know and advise someone; describe a picture; exchange opinions |
| Points | 75, 25 per part; pass from 45 | 100, of which 16 for pronunciation; pass from 60 | 30; pass from 18 |
telc B2: three parts, 25 points each
- Part 1, talking about experiences: you choose one of seven topics, for example a book you read, and speak for at most one and a half minutes. Then your partner asks questions, and the other way round.
- Part 2, discussion: during preparation you read a controversial text. First you briefly say what you found interesting, then you discuss and look for solutions.
- Part 3, planning together: for example a programme for a group trip. Unlike B1 there is no list of points; you work out together what needs planning.
Goethe B2: talk and discussion
In the talk you choose one of two topics and speak for about 4 minutes, with an introduction, main part and conclusion. Then your partner asks questions. In the discussion you argue a position on a controversial question. The criteria are task completion, coherence, vocabulary and structures, plus your answers to questions in the talk and interaction in the discussion. Pronunciation brings 16 points for both parts together.
ÖSD B2: three tasks
At ÖSD you first get to know someone and advise them, then describe and interpret a picture, and finally exchange opinions. Speaking is a separate module: if only speaking is failed, you retake only speaking.
Phrases that help in all three exams
- Giving your opinion: "Ich bin der Ansicht, dass …", "Für mich ist entscheidend, dass …"
- Disagreeing politely: "Da sehe ich das etwas anders, weil …", "Das stimmt zum Teil, aber …"
- Asking for more: "Wie meinst du das genau?", "Kannst du ein Beispiel nennen?"
- Planning and agreeing: "Was hältst du davon, wenn wir …?", "Dann machen wir es so: …"
- Buying time: "Das ist eine gute Frage. Lass mich kurz überlegen."
How to show interaction
In the discussion and the planning task, what counts is not only what you say but how you respond to your partner. Pick up their arguments ("Du hast gesagt, dass … Das finde ich …"), ask questions, and do not talk alone for minutes. If your partner says little, ask them directly for their view; that shows you can steer a conversation, and it is marked.
The B1 speaking exam is covered in German B1 speaking exam: the planning task. You can practise the whole B2 exam under real timing for telc German B2, Goethe B2 and ÖSD B2.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the B2 speaking exam?
At telc and Goethe about 15 minutes in pairs, at ÖSD about 15 minutes alone or 20 in pairs, plus 15 to 20 minutes' preparation.
How long is the Goethe B2 presentation?
About 4 minutes, with an introduction, main part and conclusion. Then you answer questions.
How many points do I need in the telc B2 speaking exam?
At least 45 of 75 points. Each of the three parts is worth at most 25.
What if my partner does not speak?
Ask them directly for their opinion and pick up what they say. That shows conversation management, which is marked.
Can I retake only the speaking exam?
In telc B2 and ÖSD B2 yes, in telc within twelve months. In Goethe B2 speaking is a separate module anyway.
Sources
- telc: Übungstest 1 telc Deutsch B2 (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
- Goethe-Institut: sample test Goethe-Zertifikat B2, adults (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
- Goethe-Institut: Goethe-Zertifikat B2, Durchführungsbestimmungen (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
- ÖSD: Durchführungsbestimmungen ÖSD Zertifikat B2, October 2023 (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
- telc gGmbH: examination rules (in force from 15.04.2025, PDF), checked 7 October 2026
