The Goethe A2 Speaking exam (Sprechen) takes approximately 15 minutes for 2 participants and consists of three parts: Teil 1 involves asking and answering questions using picture cards, Teil 2 requires presenting about your life based on a topic card with follow-up questions from the examiner, and Teil 3 is a collaborative planning task where you negotiate with your partner to reach an agreement.

Each candidate draws 4 cards and has about 20 seconds to look at them. Your partner cannot see your cards. You then ask your partner one question per card (4 questions total), and they answer. Then you switch roles. The cards contain everyday topics like family, hobbies, work, or travel.

The examiner gives both candidates a task card at the same time. You have about 20 seconds to read it. Candidate 2 presents first, talking about their own life based on the topic. The examiner then asks 1-2 follow-up questions. Then Candidate 1 does the same with their topic.

Each candidate receives a sheet with different prompts or suggestions—you cannot see your partner's sheet. After about 20 seconds to read, Candidate 1 makes a suggestion. Candidate 2 responds and may suggest something different. You continue negotiating until you agree. At the end, one candidate tells the examiner what you decided together.

No! The speaking exam tests natural communication and spontaneous interaction. You should speak freely about familiar topics. Examiners want to see that you can interact naturally in German, ask questions, respond to your partner, and negotiate—not recite memorized text.

Practice with a partner regularly. For Teil 1, practice forming questions from picture prompts. For Teil 2, practice talking about yourself on various topics (hobbies, family, work, daily routine). For Teil 3, practice making suggestions ("Wir könnten...", "Wie wäre es mit...") and responding to suggestions ("Das ist eine gute Idee", "Ich finde... besser").