DTZ B1 Speaking Part 1: Introducing Yourself with 6 Keywords — Strategy and Sample Dialogue

The first moment in the oral exam is always the most nerve-wracking. You enter the room, see two strangers, receive a sheet with a few words on it — and are supposed to speak about yourself in German. For many people learning German as a third or fourth language, this is no small feat.

But here is my honest assessment based on everything I know about the DTZ: Speaking Part 1 is the easiest part of the exam. The topic is always the same — yourself. The keywords are always the same six. There are no surprises. Those who prepare well go into the exam with a ready-made mini-story — and just have to speak.

This article shows exactly how to do that: what happens in Part 1, how you will be assessed, what a good sample dialogue looks like, and what mistakes to avoid.

How does Part 1 proceed exactly?

The oral DTZ exam almost always takes place as a pair exam — two candidates, two examiners. Part 1 lasts a total of about 4 minutes for both participants. This means: about 2 minutes per person — 1 minute for the introduction, 1 minute for the follow-up question. That’s not much.

The procedure is always the same: The examiner introduces themselves and greets both candidates. Then Candidate A begins. He or she introduces themselves using the keywords on the task sheet. The examiner asks a follow-up question (Part 1B). Then it’s Candidate B’s turn — the same sheet, the same structure.

The official task sheet — the six keywords

The task sheet for Part 1 is identical for both candidates and always looks like this — directly from the official g.a.s.t. practice set:

Six keywords — that’s all. No complicated topic, no surprises. Those who can say one or two sentences about each of these six points have already fulfilled Part 1A. The important thing is: These are keywords as help — you don’t have to go through them in order. A natural flow of conversation is even better.

This is what a good introduction sounds like — Sample Dialogue Part 1A

Here is a complete example of how a B1 introduction might sound. This is not a memorized speech — it is a natural, coherent introduction that incorporates all six keywords.

What makes this introduction good? All six keywords are naturally incorporated — no choppy listing. There are connections between the sentences: “because," “but," “also," “perhaps." The tone is personal and not like a list. And there are details that show that the person is really communicating — not just stating facts.

The Follow-Up Question — Sample Dialogue Part 1B

After the introduction, the examiner asks a question related to what has been said. This is Part 1B — and this is actually the moment that many underestimate. It’s not an interrogation, not a trick question. The examiner builds on something you just mentioned.

This is how you will be assessed — the five criteria

The important thing first: Criteria II to V (pronunciation, fluency, correctness, vocabulary) refer to the entire oral exam — all three parts combined. Part 1 therefore has its own point value only for Criterion I (task achievement). This means: A strong performance in Part 1 can compensate for a weaker performance in Parts 2 or 3.

What you can say about each keyword — with examples

I always recommend: Prepare not just one answer for each keyword, but a little story — something you can string together. Here is a pattern:

Useful phrases for every situation in Part 1

The five most common mistakes — and how to avoid them

This is how to prepare best

Speaking Part 1 is the only DTZ part where you know 100% what is coming. This is a huge advantage — and you should take advantage of it.

Now you — exercise task for self-testing

Speak the following introduction out loud — without writing it down beforehand. Imagine you are sitting across from the examiner. Then ask yourself the question below and answer spontaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions about Speaking Part 1