Goethe B1 speaking exam: the three parts and how to handle them
Redaktion · 7 October 2026 · 3 min read
In short
The Goethe B1 speaking module is usually a pair exam of about 15 minutes after 15 minutes' preparation. It has three parts: planning something together, presenting a topic on five given points, and giving feedback and asking a question about your partner's presentation. You may use the notes from your preparation.
How does the speaking module work?
| Part | What you do |
|---|---|
| Preparation, 15 min | alone, with stamped paper for notes |
| Part 1: planning together | you and your partner get the same task and agree on several points, for example a party or a visit |
| Part 2: presenting a topic | you present a topic along five given points, like slides |
| Part 3: talking about a topic | you give feedback on your partner's presentation and ask a question; then you respond to feedback and questions on your own |
The pair exam takes about 15 minutes, an individual exam (only in exceptional cases) about 10. Under the implementation regulations you may use your notes from the preparation during the speaking module. The module has 100 points and is passed with 60.
Part 2: the presentation on five points
Your card shows a topic and five points to cover in order. In the sample test they are: introduce the topic, report your own experience, describe the situation in your home country, name advantages and disadvantages, give your opinion and close. Covering all five completes the task.
- Introducing the topic: "Ich möchte heute über das Thema … sprechen."
- Own experience: "Ich selbst habe … erlebt. Damals …"
- Home country: "In meinem Heimatland ist das anders/ähnlich: …"
- Pros and cons: "Ein Vorteil ist, dass … Ein Nachteil ist aber, dass …"
- Opinion and close: "Ich persönlich finde … Damit komme ich zum Schluss. Vielen Dank fürs Zuhören."
Part 3: feedback and a question
After your partner's presentation you give short feedback, for example what you liked or what was new to you, and ask one question about it. Then the examiners ask a question too. So listen closely while your partner presents and keep one point in mind to ask about.
- Feedback: "Deine Präsentation war sehr interessant, besonders der Teil über …", "Neu war für mich, dass …"
- Question: "Du hast gesagt, dass … Wie ist das bei dir genau?", "Was würdest du jemandem raten, der …?"
- Responding: "Gute Frage. Ich denke, …", "Das ist bei mir so: …"
Part 1: planning together
How to solve the planning task with your partner, make suggestions, agree and disagree, is explained in detail in German B1 speaking exam: the planning task.
The whole Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is explained in Goethe B1 pass mark. You can practise all modules under real timing here.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Goethe B1 speaking exam?
About 15 minutes as a pair exam, after 15 minutes' preparation. An individual exam, only in exceptional cases, takes about 10 minutes.
What do you present in Goethe B1 speaking part 2?
A topic along five given points: introduce the topic, own experience, situation in your home country, pros and cons, your opinion and a close.
Can I use notes in the speaking exam?
Yes, the key-word notes you made on the stamped paper during the preparation time.
What do I do in part 3?
Give feedback on your partner's presentation and ask a question about it, then respond to feedback and questions on your own presentation.
How many points do you need in Goethe B1 speaking?
At least 60 of 100. Speaking is a separate module and is passed on its own.
Sources
- Goethe-Institut: sample test Goethe-Zertifikat B1, adults (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
- Goethe-Institut: Goethe-Zertifikat B1, implementation regulations, as of 1 September 2025 (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
