German A1 Speaking Examples (Sprechen)

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The Sprechen (Speaking) section evaluates your ability to introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and make requests in everyday situations.

What to Expect

The A1 speaking exam typically has 3 parts: self-introduction (about 2 minutes), asking questions based on word cards, and making requests or responding to situations. You may be paired with another candidate or speak directly with examiners.

Expert Tips for A1 Speaking

1Practice your self-introduction until it feels natural
2Learn question words: Wer? Was? Wo? Wann? Wie? Warum?
3Speak slowly and clearly - accuracy matters more than speed
4If you don't understand, ask: "Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?"
5Use polite phrases: "Bitte", "Danke", "Entschuldigung"

Essential Speaking Vocabulary

Guten Tag - Good day

Ich heiße... - My name is...

Ich komme aus... - I come from...

Ich wohne in... - I live in...

Ich bin... Jahre alt - I am... years old

Können Sie...? - Can you...?

Ich möchte... - I would like...

Wie bitte? - Pardon?

Practice Examples

Part 1: Self Introduction

Introduce yourself to the examiner. Include your name, where you come from, where you live, and what you do.

Sample Answer:

Guten Tag. Ich heiße Maria Santos. Ich komme aus Brasilien, aber ich wohne jetzt in Berlin. Ich bin 28 Jahre alt. Ich arbeite als Krankenschwester. Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland leben möchte.

Part 2: Ask Questions

You see these words on a card: "Hobby / Freizeit". Ask your partner questions about their hobbies.

Sample Answer:

Was sind Ihre Hobbys? Was machen Sie in Ihrer Freizeit? Spielen Sie gern Fußball? Lesen Sie gern Bücher?

A1 Speaking Exam at a Glance

3 parts

Introduction, Questions, Requests

10-15 minutes

Total speaking time

5 main topics

Family, Work, Hobbies, Daily routine, Shopping

Goethe vs telc A1 Speaking – Any Difference?

Short answer: Very similar format.

Aspect

Goethe A1

telc A1

Format

3 parts

Time

10-15 min

12-15 min

Partner

Another candidate

Topics

Everyday situations

The same preparation strategy works for both exams.

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Speaking Section FAQ

The A1 speaking exam covers everyday topics: introducing yourself (name, age, country, job), talking about family members, discussing hobbies and free time activities, describing daily routines, and making simple requests like asking for directions or ordering food. All questions use basic A1 vocabulary that you should know from your coursework. Practice these topics regularly as they appear in every exam version.

No, you cannot bring or use written notes during the speaking exam. However, examiners provide word cards with visual prompts to help you form questions during the partner exercise. The key is to practice your self-introduction and common responses so thoroughly that you can speak naturally without notes. Rehearse until the words come automatically.

It's completely acceptable to ask the examiner to repeat a question. Use phrases like "Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?" (Can you please repeat that?) or "Wie bitte?" (Pardon?). Examiners expect this at A1 level and asking for clarification shows good communication skills rather than hurting your score. What matters is that you respond appropriately once you understand.

Official Exam Information

Learn more about the official A1 German certification exams from the accredited providers:

Goethe-Institut

telc

ÖSD

Content based on official public exam guidelines and sample tasks.