Most international German language exams include a speaking section that is conducted either in a group, with a partner, or individually.
Oral Exam in a Group
Only the A1 exam can be taken in a group of four people. Such an exam usually includes tasks such as talking about yourself based on predefined points, questions and answers, and requests and responses to them. On our website, you can prepare for such an exam in the course Preparation for the A1 Exam.
Oral Exam in Pairs
Most exams (Goethe-Zertifikat, ÖSD, telc) at all levels from A2 to C1 offer a partner-based speaking exam. The structure is usually similar: 15 minutes of preparation time and then a conversation with a partner in front of two examiners.
The structure of oral exams is similar: after a short preparation, there is a conversation with a partner in front of the examiners.
Features of such exams:
- The partner is assigned by the examination committee in advance and cannot be chosen (usually based on variations of the alphabetical list);
- A start and end time is set for each pair (usually about 15 minutes per pair);
- Before the conversation begins, you will be taken to a separate room for preparation. You are not allowed to use any aids during this preparation, nor communicate with your partner;
- Sometimes you can choose a topic from two options (for example, presentation topics in the Goethe-Zertifikat exam can be chosen from two options).
Usually, at the beginning of the exam there is a so-called "warm-up".
At the beginning of the exam, you will be asked to introduce yourself. There is no need to worry - this is not graded (except for the A1 exam). Usually, you state your name, country, and age, and mention your profession or occupation. After that, one of the examiners asks questions, for example, how long you have been learning German or why you would like to take this exam. This conversation serves only as a short “warm-up”. After that, the examiner will announce the transition to the first part and explain what you need to do.
Most exams include a Presentation part. You can read about how to prepare for it in the next article.
Individual Oral Exam with an Examiner
Among all international German language exams, only C2 offers an individual conversation with an examiner. However, even in exams that were originally planned for two participants, an individual conversation may take place. This happens when an odd number of people take part in the exam. If it happens that you do not have a partner on the oral exam list, do not worry. You could say that you are lucky. Unlike a random partner, the examiner always has excellent pronunciation, and you will understand every word. The examiner is also interested in making sure that you do not get confused and that you complete the tasks correctly. Therefore, in this case, you will usually manage to avoid all the typical problems of the oral exam.
If you do not have a partner on the oral exam list, don’t panic. In fact, you are lucky!
Remember, lack of preparation and nervousness are usually the main reasons for failing the oral exam.
You can read in detail about how to prepare for the oral exam in the digital format, for example TestDaF digital, in this article.
