DTZ Speaking: How to Pass the Oral Exam

Many learners practice listening, reading, and writing for weeks – and forget about speaking. That is a dangerous mistake. Because the speaking part is not just one of four – it is the most critical part of the DTZ.

Why? If you fall below level A2 in speaking, you will not receive a certificate – no matter how good your other scores are.

🚨 Important Warning: A speaking result below A2 means: no certificate – even if you have 90 points in the other parts. Practice speaking from the start!

How is the speaking part structured?

The oral exam lasts about 16 minutes – per pair. So you take the exam together with another candidate. There are three parts:

Part 1A: Talking about yourself

You receive a task sheet with keywords. You talk about yourself: origin, profession, family, hobbies, plans.

Example keywords:

Where do you come from? | Where do you live now? | What do you do for work? | What are your hobbies?

Part 1B: Responding to follow-up questions

The examiner asks you additional questions about your answers. Respond naturally and speak in full sentences.

Part 2A: Talking about experiences (with a picture)

You receive a picture and describe it. Then you talk about your own experiences related to the topic.

Example topics:

A market / A language school / A family eating / A doctor’s visit

Part 3: Planning something together

You and your partner plan something together – for example, a party or an outing. You get guiding points and should agree.

Example: “Plan a small party for the office together."

Guiding points: Where? / When? / Food and drinks? / Who brings what?

What do the examiners pay attention to?

Can you express yourself understandably?
Are you active in the conversation?
Do you listen to your partner?
Do you use different words?
Do you speak in complete sentences?

Useful phrases for speaking

Talking about yourself (Part 1):

“I come from … and have been living in Germany for … years."
“I work as … / I am currently … looking for work."
“In my free time, I like to …"

Describing a picture (Part 2):

“In the picture, I see …"
“In the foreground / In the background there is/are …"
“The picture reminds me of …"
“I think that the people in the picture …"

Planning together (Part 3):

“I suggest that we …"
“What do you think / What is your opinion on that?"
“That is a good idea!"
“I agree."
“Maybe we could also …"
“Wouldn’t it be better if …"

Example: Planning together (Part 3)

Task: Plan a birthday party for a colleague with your partner.

Guiding points: Where? / When? / Food and drinks? / Gift?

Person A: “I suggest we have the party at the office – after work, around 5 pm. What do you think?"

Person B: “That’s a good idea. We could bring cake. And maybe also coffee and juice?"

Person A: “Yes, agreed. And for the gift – maybe a book or flowers?"

Person B: “I think flowers are nicer. I find that more personal."

How to prepare: Step by step

Learn typical topics: work, family, housing, leisure, health, authorities.
Practice aloud: speak German aloud daily.
Find a practice partner.
Memorize phrases.
Simulate the exam (16 minutes).

The 5 most common mistakes in the speaking part

Answers too short
Not involving the partner
Being nervous and silent
Not paying attention to the guiding points
Not practicing enough

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if my partner says nothing?

Try to keep the conversation going. Ask questions and actively lead the conversation.

Am I allowed to make mistakes when speaking?

Yes, mistakes are normal! The most important thing is that you are understood.

With whom do I do the speaking part?

With another exam candidate. The examiners observe both of you.

How often can I repeat the speaking part?

If you do not pass the exam, you can retake it.

Conclusion

The speaking part is not the enemy – it is a chance to show what you can do. With the right phrases, regular practice, and a good partner, you will master it.

Start speaking today – loud, boldly, and in German.

You are not alone in this preparation.

👉 Do you want to pass the exam confidently?

At deutsch-meister-app.com you will find a complete speaking trainer for the DTZ – with typical tasks from all three parts, model answers, and a guide for the conversation.