Mastering the TELC B2 Sprechen (Speaking): Complete Guide with Pro Tips
A comprehensive guide to conquering the TELC B2 Speaking exam with detailed breakdowns of all 3 tasks (Erfahrungen, Diskussion, Planung), sample dialogues, evaluation criteria, and proven strategies from successful test-takers.
The TELC B2 Sprechen (Speaking) section is your opportunity to demonstrate fluent, spontaneous German communication. Unlike lower levels, B2 expects you to discuss complex topics, express nuanced opinions, and engage in natural dialogue with your exam partner.
This comprehensive guide breaks down all three speaking tasks (Teil 1-3), provides sample presentations and discussions from real exam topics, and shares proven strategies to help you speak confidently and score high on exam day.
TELC B2 Speaking: Exam Overview
What Makes B2 Speaking Different?
At B2 level, you're expected to speak fluently without constantly searching for words. You should use complex sentence structures (Nebensätze, Passiv, Konjunktiv) naturally, express opinions with nuance, and engage in genuine dialogue. Short pauses to find words are acceptable, but you should avoid simple vocabulary and basic constructions.
✅ B2 Level Expectations
- • Fluent speech with natural pauses
- • Complex sentence structures
- • Broad vocabulary range
- • Clear argumentation
- • Natural interaction with partner
❌ What to Avoid
- • Only simple sentence structures
- • Basic vocabulary (gut, schlecht, schön)
- • Long pauses searching for words
- • Ignoring your partner
- • Reading from notes word-for-word
Complete Speaking Exam Structure
Based on official TELC B2 examination guidelines
Einander kennenlernen (Warm-up)
~1 minuteNot scoredBefore the actual exam begins, you have a chance to get to know your exam partner. You can ask about their name, where they come from, or chat about everyday topics like exam preparation or how their family is doing.
This phase is completely free - speak naturally as if you met someone in the city without the examiners present. What you say here is NOT evaluated, so use it to relax and warm up your German!
Teil 1: Über Erfahrungen sprechen
~5 minutes25 pointsPresent a personal experience (1.5 min), answer partner's questions, then listen to partner and ask questions.
Teil 2: Diskussion
~5 minutes25 pointsDiscuss a controversial topic based on a text. Share opinions, argue positions, find compromises.
Teil 3: Gemeinsam etwas planen
~5 minutes25 pointsPlan an event or activity together with your partner. Make suggestions, discuss options, reach agreement.
How You're Evaluated: The 4 Criteria
Your speaking performance is assessed according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) on four key criteria. Understanding these helps you focus your preparation effectively.
Ausdrucksfähigkeit
Expression & Vocabulary
- Use varied vocabulary, not just basic words
- Express nuanced opinions and feelings
- Use appropriate register (formal/informal)
Aufgabenbewältigung
Task Completion
- Address all required points in the task
- Contribute meaningfully to the conversation
- Interact naturally with your partner
Formale Richtigkeit
Grammatical Accuracy
- Use complex structures (Nebensätze, Passiv)
- Correct verb conjugations and cases
- Minor errors are acceptable if they don't impede understanding
Aussprache und Intonation
Pronunciation & Intonation
- Clear, understandable pronunciation
- Natural German intonation patterns
- Accent is fine as long as you're easily understood
Pro Tip: Quality Over Perfection
At B2 level, examiners don't expect perfect German. They expect fluent communication with complex structures. It's better to use a Konjunktiv II incorrectly than to only use simple present tense sentences. Show your range!
Teil 1: Über Erfahrungen sprechen (Presenting Experiences)
You choose one topic from a list of 7 themes and present your personal experience for about 1.5 minutes. Then your partner asks you questions. Afterward, you listen to your partner's presentation and ask them questions.
📋 The 7 Preparable Topics
Great news: These topics are fixed! You can prepare all 7 at home and choose your strongest one on exam day.
Ein Buch, das Sie gelesen haben
A book you have read
Einen Film, den Sie gesehen haben
A film you have watched
Eine Reise, die Sie unternommen haben
A trip you have taken
Eine Musikveranstaltung, die Sie besucht haben
A music event you attended
Ein Sportereignis, das Sie besucht haben
A sports event you attended
Eine Person, die in Ihrem Leben wichtig war
An important person in your life
Eine wichtige Erfahrung in Ihrem Leben
An important experience in your life
📝 Sample Presentation: "Eine Reise"
"Ich möchte von meiner Reise nach München erzählen, die ich letzten Sommer gemacht habe. Ich war dort eine Woche lang im August. München ist eine wunderschöne Stadt in Bayern mit vielen historischen Gebäuden und Museen. Die Menschen dort waren sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Ich habe viele Sehenswürdigkeiten besucht, zum Beispiel den Marienplatz, das Schloss Nymphenburg und den Englischen Garten. Das Essen war auch fantastisch - ich habe Weißwurst und Brezeln probiert. Das Wetter war perfekt, sonnig und warm. Diese Reise war eine tolle Erfahrung und ich möchte unbedingt wieder nach München fahren."
Why this works:
- • Clear structure: destination → duration → description → activities → conclusion
- • Uses past tense correctly (Perfekt)
- • Includes personal opinions and feelings
- • Appropriate length (~1.5 minutes when spoken)
❓ Typical Follow-up Questions & Sample Answers
"Sind Sie allein oder mit jemandem gereist?"
"Ich bin mit meinem besten Freund gereist. Wir reisen oft zusammen, weil wir die gleichen Interessen haben."
"Wie sind Sie nach München gekommen?"
"Wir sind mit dem Zug gefahren. Die Fahrt hat etwa fünf Stunden gedauert, aber es war sehr bequem."
"Was hat Ihnen am besten gefallen?"
"Am besten hat mir der Englische Garten gefallen. Es war so entspannend, dort spazieren zu gehen und die Natur zu genießen."
🗣️ Useful Phrases for Teil 1
Starting your presentation:
- • "Ich möchte Ihnen von ... erzählen."
- • "Ich möchte über ... sprechen."
- • "Heute möchte ich ... vorstellen."
Expressing opinions:
- • "Mir hat ... besonders gut gefallen."
- • "Das Beste daran war ..."
- • "Diese Erfahrung war wichtig für mich, weil ..."
Teil 2: Diskussion (Discussion)
You and your partner read a short text about a controversial topic during preparation time. In the exam, you discuss the topic: share your opinions, bring in personal experiences, consider different perspectives, and try to find solutions or compromises.
📰 Typical Discussion Topics
Topics are always current social issues with clear pro and contra positions. You'll read a newspaper-style article presenting the issue.
💬 Sample Discussion: "Getrennte Schulen"
Partner A:
"Ich finde das Thema sehr interessant. Was meinen Sie dazu? Sollten Mädchen und Jungen getrennt unterrichtet werden?"
Partner B:
"Das ist eine schwierige Frage. Einerseits zeigen die Studien, dass Mädchen in getrennten Klassen bessere Leistungen in Naturwissenschaften erzielen. Andererseits finde ich, dass die Koedukation wichtig für die soziale Entwicklung ist."
Partner A:
"Da stimme ich Ihnen zu. In meiner Schulzeit waren wir immer zusammen und ich hatte nie das Gefühl, dass Mädchen benachteiligt wurden. Aber vielleicht war das an anderen Schulen anders."
Partner B:
"Ja, das hängt sicher auch von den Lehrern ab. Ich denke, eine mögliche Lösung wäre, in bestimmten Fächern wie Physik manchmal getrennte Gruppen anzubieten, aber nicht komplett getrennte Schulen."
✅ Do This
- React to your partner's points
- Bring in personal experiences
- Consider both sides of the argument
- Suggest possible solutions
- Use "einerseits... andererseits"
❌ Avoid This
- Monologuing without interaction
- Only agreeing with everything
- Interrupting your partner constantly
- Staying silent and not contributing
- Only using "Ich finde das gut/schlecht"
🗣️ Essential Discussion Phrases
Expressing opinion:
- • "Meiner Meinung nach..."
- • "Ich bin der Ansicht, dass..."
- • "Ich persönlich finde..."
Agreeing/Disagreeing:
- • "Da stimme ich Ihnen zu."
- • "Das sehe ich genauso/anders."
- • "Ich verstehe Ihren Punkt, aber..."
Suggesting solutions:
- • "Eine mögliche Lösung wäre..."
- • "Man könnte auch..."
- • "Vielleicht sollte man..."
Teil 3: Gemeinsam etwas planen (Planning Together)
You receive a planning scenario (organizing a trip, event, or activity). Work with your partner to make suggestions, discuss options, and create a concrete plan. The goal is collaborative problem-solving, not competing ideas.
📋 Typical Planning Scenarios
Reiseprogramm für Senioren
Plan a trip through Germany/Austria/Switzerland for seniors
Kulturelles Treffen junger Leute
Organize a cultural exchange with €4000 budget
Programm für deutsche Schülergruppe
Create a week-long program for German students visiting your city
Betriebsausflug organisieren
Plan a company outing for colleagues
Geburtstagsfeier planen
Organize a milestone birthday celebration
Willkommensprogramm für Austauschstudenten
Welcome program for exchange students
💬 Sample Planning: "Reiseprogramm für Senioren"
Partner A:
"Also, wir sollen ein Reiseprogramm für eine Seniorengruppe planen. Haben Sie eine Idee, wohin die Reise gehen könnte?"
Partner B:
"Ich würde Österreich vorschlagen, zum Beispiel Wien und Salzburg. Das sind schöne Städte mit viel Kultur, und die Wege sind nicht zu anstrengend."
Partner A:
"Das ist eine gute Idee. Wie lange sollte die Reise Ihrer Meinung nach dauern?"
Partner B:
"Ich denke, fünf Tage wären ideal. Nicht zu lang, damit es nicht zu anstrengend wird, aber lang genug, um etwas zu sehen."
Partner A:
"Einverstanden. Und welches Verkehrsmittel wäre am besten? Für Senioren würde ich einen Reisebus empfehlen. Da muss man nicht umsteigen und das Gepäck wird transportiert."
Partner B:
"Stimmt, das ist bequemer. Bei den Unterkünften sollten wir auf Barrierefreiheit achten. Hotels mit Aufzug und möglichst im Zentrum, damit die Wege kurz sind."
✅ Planning Checklist - Points to Cover
- Destination/Location (Wohin?)
- Duration (Wie lange?)
- Transportation (Verkehrsmittel?)
- Accommodation (Unterkunft?)
- Activities/Program (Aktivitäten?)
- Budget considerations (Kosten?)
- Special needs of the group
- Summary of decisions
🗣️ Essential Planning Phrases
Making suggestions:
- • "Ich würde vorschlagen, dass..."
- • "Was halten Sie von...?"
- • "Wie wäre es mit...?"
- • "Könnten wir vielleicht...?"
Agreeing & building:
- • "Das ist eine gute Idee."
- • "Einverstanden."
- • "Ja, und außerdem könnten wir..."
- • "Das klingt gut."
Considering & concluding:
- • "Wir sollten bedenken, dass..."
- • "Ich bin nicht sicher, ob..."
- • "Lassen Sie uns zusammenfassen..."
- • "Also, wir haben beschlossen..."
Pro Tips: Preparation Strategies
Using Your 20-Minute Prep Time
Teil 1 Notes
Choose your topic, write key points (not full sentences!)
Teil 2 Text & Arguments
Read the text, note pro/contra arguments, think of personal examples
Teil 3 Planning Points
Note the key questions to address, think of suggestions
Smart Note-Taking
Keywords only
Write "München - August - Marienplatz" not full sentences
Use symbols
+ for pro, - for contra, ? for questions, ! for important
Structure visually
Use bullet points, arrows, boxes to organize thoughts
🏠 Home Practice Strategies
For Teil 1:
- • Prepare all 7 topics in advance
- • Practice each presentation with a timer (1.5 min)
- • Record yourself and listen back
- • Prepare answers to common follow-up questions
For Teil 2 & 3:
- • Practice with a language partner or tutor
- • Read German news to build opinion vocabulary
- • Learn phrases for agreeing, disagreeing, suggesting
- • Practice thinking in German, not translating
Working With Your Exam Partner
Remember: You're evaluated on your ability to have a natural conversation, not on "winning" the discussion. A good interaction helps both of you score higher!
Good Partner Behavior
- • Make eye contact with your partner
- • React to what they say
- • Help if they struggle (shows communication skills!)
- • Give them space to speak
- • Build on their ideas
Avoid These Mistakes
- • Speaking only to the examiners
- • Dominating the conversation
- • Ignoring your partner's contributions
- • Constantly interrupting
- • Being competitive instead of collaborative
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Language Mistakes
- •
Using only simple sentences
B2 requires Nebensätze, Passiv, Konjunktiv
- •
Basic vocabulary only
Avoid overusing "gut", "schlecht", "interessant"
- •
Mixing du/Sie forms
Use "Sie" consistently with your partner
- •
Wrong word order in Nebensätze
Verb goes to the end: "...weil ich müde bin"
❌ Communication Mistakes
- •
Reading from notes
Notes are for reference, not scripts
- •
Not listening to partner
React to what they say, don't just wait to speak
- •
Speaking too fast when nervous
Slow, clear speech is better than rushed mumbling
- •
Giving up after mistakes
Self-correct and continue - this shows competence!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the TELC B2 Speaking exam?
The TELC B2 Speaking exam (Mündlicher Ausdruck) takes approximately 15-16 minutes for a pair examination. You also receive 20 minutes of preparation time before the exam begins. For groups of three candidates, the exam takes correspondingly longer.
Is the TELC B2 Speaking exam done alone or with a partner?
The TELC B2 Speaking exam is a pair examination (Paarprüfung). You will be examined together with another candidate. You communicate primarily with your partner, not with the examiners. If there is an odd number of candidates, groups of three are formed.
What are the three parts of the TELC B2 Speaking exam?
Teil 1: Present a personal experience (about 1.5 minutes) and answer partner questions (5 min total). Teil 2: Discuss a controversial topic based on a text (5 min). Teil 3: Plan something together with your partner (5 min). Each part is worth 25 points.
Can I use notes during the TELC B2 Speaking exam?
Yes! You receive 20 minutes of preparation time before the exam where you can make notes on the provided paper. You may use these notes during the exam. However, you cannot use a dictionary during the preparation or exam.
What criteria are used to evaluate the TELC B2 Speaking exam?
Your speaking performance is evaluated on four criteria based on the CEFR: 1) Ausdrucksfähigkeit (Expression/Vocabulary), 2) Aufgabenbewältigung (Task Completion), 3) Formale Richtigkeit (Grammatical Accuracy), and 4) Aussprache und Intonation (Pronunciation and Intonation).
What happens if my partner makes mistakes or is very weak?
You are evaluated individually, not as a pair. Your partner's performance does not affect your score. Focus on your own contributions, help your partner if they struggle (this shows good communication skills), and maintain a natural conversation flow.
How can I prepare Teil 1 topics at home?
Teil 1 topics come from a fixed list of 7 themes you can prepare in advance: a book, a film, a trip, a music event, a sports event, an important person, and an important experience. Practice presenting each topic for 1.5 minutes and prepare answers to common follow-up questions.
What score do I need to pass the Speaking section?
You can earn up to 75 points in the Speaking section (25 points per Teil). You need at least 60% overall to pass the TELC B2 exam, and you must pass both written and oral sections separately. The Speaking section is crucial for your overall success.
Exam Day: Final Tips
Before the Exam
- Get a good night's sleep
- Arrive early to reduce stress
- Warm up by speaking German (even to yourself)
- Review your prepared Teil 1 topics
During the Exam
- Take a deep breath before speaking
- Speak clearly, not too fast
- If you make a mistake, correct yourself and move on
- Be friendly and collaborative with your partner
Ready to Practice Your Speaking Skills?
Put your knowledge to the test with our TELC B2 practice materials and mock speaking exercises.
Start TELC B2 PracticeRelated Articles
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