Free practice · telc Deutsch B1
B1 speaking: keep the conversation moving
Practise making your meaning clear and responding to another person. A useful sentence does more than sound correct: it answers, asks, explains or helps you agree on what to do next.
By Beyond German · Exam information checked 7 November 2026
Start with an answer and a follow-up
Give yourself a familiar question. Answer it, add a reason or an example, then ask something back. The aim is an exchange, not a speech you have memorised.
- What do you do during the week, and which part of your day do you enjoy?
- How do you usually get around your town, and what would you change?
- Where do you use German outside your lessons?
- Would you rather learn with a group or on your own? Why?
Try one answer out loud. If you record it, listen for what the other person would understand, not just for mistakes. Then change a detail and answer the question again without reading.
Choose a phrase for the job you need
Learn a small set of phrases that you can complete in different ways. Read the English meaning, try the German, then open the model. Replace a name, day or reason so the phrase becomes yours.
I think that …
Ich finde, dass …
Give an opinion, then add your reason.
How do you see it?
Wie siehst du das?
Invite your partner into the conversation.
Unfortunately, that does not work for me.
Das passt mir leider nicht.
Respond to a suggestion before offering another one.
How about Saturday?
Wie wäre es mit Samstag?
Offer a concrete alternative.
Have I understood you correctly?
Habe ich dich richtig verstanden?
Check meaning instead of pretending you understood.
So, we are meeting …
Also, wir treffen uns …
Confirm the arrangement together.
These examples use du with a practice partner. Match the way the person addresses you, and use the polite form when the situation calls for it.
Explain a viewpoint, then discuss it
The official speaking sample includes getting to know one another, discussing a topic and planning together. For topic practice, tell a partner what the person on your card says, then compare it with your own experience. Do not just read the card aloud.
Original practice card A
Ich fahre fast jeden Tag mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit. Das dauert nur zwanzig Minuten, und ich brauche keinen Parkplatz. Wenn es stark regnet, nehme ich den Bus.
Original practice card B
Für mich ist das Fahrrad keine gute Lösung. Mein Arbeitsweg ist zu lang. Deshalb fahre ich mit der Bahn. Unterwegs kann ich lesen, aber manchmal ist der Zug sehr voll.
Try explaining card A without looking, then ask your partner how they travel. If you are alone, describe card B next and explain which option would work for your own journey.
Show a possible opening and follow-up
Die Person auf meiner Karte fährt meistens mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit. Ihr Arbeitsweg ist nicht sehr lang. Bei schlechtem Wetter nimmt sie den Bus. Ich fahre auch gern mit dem Fahrrad, aber im Winter nehme ich lieber die Bahn. Wie kommst du zur Arbeit?
The speaker summarises the card, adds a personal comparison and asks a question. Your answer can use different wording.
Try a planning exchange before seeing the model
Original Beyond German practice
You and a friend want to organise a German practice picnic. Agree on the day, the place, what each person brings and what you will do if it rains.
Your friend says: „Wollen wir uns am Freitag um sechs im Park treffen?“
Friday does not work for you. Reply, explain briefly and suggest another time. Then ask your partner a question. If you are practising alone, pause and say your response before opening the example.
Show a possible exchange
You: Am Freitag muss ich leider arbeiten. Wie wäre es mit Samstag um drei?
Partner: Das passt mir gut. Was sollen wir mitbringen?
You: Ich kann belegte Brötchen machen. Könntest du etwas zu trinken mitbringen?
Partner: Ja, gern. Und was machen wir, wenn es regnet?
You: Dann könnten wir uns bei mir treffen. Also, Samstag um drei, und am Vormittag sehen wir uns noch einmal den Wetterbericht an.
Notice the response to Friday before the new suggestion, the shared decisions and the final summary. Now change the situation: your partner is free only on Sunday, has no bicycle and cannot bring drinks. Keep the exchange going using your own words.
What to listen for in your recording
- Meaning: is your answer understandable without seeing the prompt?
- Interaction: did you respond to the other person, ask a useful question and leave space for an answer?
- Reasons: did you explain a choice instead of only saying yes or no?
- Repair: if you got stuck, could you rephrase or ask for clarification?
- Completion: can both people say what the final arrangement is?
Choose one thing to improve and record again. Keep your first attempt so you can hear what changed. Speaking with an actual partner also reveals interruptions, unexpected answers and clarification that a solo rehearsal cannot reproduce.
These are practice prompts and self-checks, not a replica of the official speaking test or an examiner’s score. Use the official mock examination below to learn the exact tasks and assessment criteria.
