DTZ B1 Speaking Part 2: Describing a picture and sharing experiences — Method and sample dialogue

After the introduction in Part 1 came the moment I least expected: The examiner handed me a sheet — with a photo on it. Just a picture. A woman looking at a smartphone, next to her a shopping cart. And the task: Describe what you see.

I remember sitting there and thinking: What should I say about a photo? It's just a photo. But that's exactly the misunderstanding that most candidates pay dearly for in Part 2. A picture in the exam is not a puzzle to solve. It is an invitation to speak — a gateway into a conversation about one's own life.

Speaking Part 2 is for many the most challenging moment of the exam — but it can also be the most interesting. This article shows how.

How Part 2 Really Works

The difference from Part 1 is important: In Part 1, both candidates have the same task sheet. In Part 2, they receive different pictures. So, one speaks about their own picture — the other candidate listens and then gets their own.

From the official practice set, I know: The picture for candidates A and B shows the same theme — in the example Shopping — but different situations. The theme remains the same, the picture prompt is different. Therefore, it is possible to prepare thematically, even if you do not know the exact picture.

Describing a Picture — The Three-Layer Method

This is my most important recommendation for Part 2A. Don't just start talking — think in three layers. Each layer gives about one sentence. Together, this results in 1–2 minutes of natural content.

Sample Dialogue — Complete for Part 2A and 2B

Here is a complete example of what Part 2 might sound like — based on the real task sheet from the g.a.s.t. practice set (Theme: Shopping / Online Shopping).

What makes this dialogue a B1 response? The picture description has three clear layers. The experiences are personal and concrete — no abstract statements, but a real story (the too-small jacket). The comparison to the home country shows reflection. And the language is natural, with small pauses and human expressions like “to be honest" and “since then."

What Themes Are Covered in Part 2?

The pictures in Part 2 always come from everyday life in Germany. This is no coincidence — the DTZ tests linguistic integration, which includes everyday life. Those who know these thematic areas and have a few personal experiences ready are prepared for any picture:

• Shopping — supermarket, online shopping, market, comparing prices
• Work — office, craftsmanship, home office, job applications
• Health — doctor visits, sports, nutrition, pharmacy
• Family and Leisure — playground, vacation, cooking, celebrations
• Living — household chores, renovation, neighborhood
• Education and Learning — school, German course, library, computer
• Transport and Mobility — bus, bicycle, car, train station
• Environment — recycling, nature, saving energy

Useful Phrases for Part 2

The Most Common Mistakes — Brief and Direct

How to Prepare — Concrete and Efficient

You cannot prepare for Part 2 with a specific picture — the picture is unknown. But you can prepare for the theme. And the themes are predictable. Here is my method:

• Go through thematic fields (Shopping, Work, Health, Family, Living, Education, Transport, Environment) and write down a personal story for each — 3–4 sentences.
• Practice the three-layer method — take any everyday photo (from a newspaper, from the internet) and describe it aloud for 1 minute: What? What is happening? What do I think?
• Prepare home country questions — for each theme, a comparison: “In my home country, it is different because ...”
• Speak aloud — not in your head, but actually aloud. Fluency develops only through real speaking.
• Record yourself — phone recording while practicing. Listen: Does it sound natural? Are there too long pauses? Is the home country comparison missing?

Frequently Asked Questions about Speaking Part 2