Goethe B2 Sprechen
the speaking module, part by part
Two parts, about 15 minutes, and 60 of 100 points to pass. Here is how the talk and the discussion work, the three points every talk has to cover, phrases that carry you through, and how the points are split — including pronunciation, which counts once for the whole module.
B2 Sprechen at a glance
You prepare alone for 15 minutes and may take notes; in the exam you are asked to speak freely. The module is usually taken in pairs. The two candidates get different topics for their talks but the same question for the discussion.
| Part | What you do | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teil 1 | Give a short talk on one of two topics, then answer your partner's questions | about 4 min per candidate | 44 |
| Teil 2 | Discuss one controversial question with your partner | about 5 min | 40 |
| Teil 1 + 2 | Pronunciation (Aussprache), scored once across both parts | — | 16 |
Teil 1: a short talk (about 4 minutes)
You choose one of two topics and give a short talk on it. There is no text, chart or data to work from — only a title and three points. You speak from what you know and have experienced.
The three points always do the same three jobs, although their order changes from topic to topic: describe several options or forms of the topic, go into one of them in depth, and name advantages and disadvantages with your own assessment. Cover all three, inside a clear frame: an introduction, a main part and a conclusion.
After your talk your partner asks questions, and you answer — then you swap roles. Answering is scored on its own, with up to 12 of the 44 points in this part, so a direct answer with a reason is worth practising as much as the talk.
Useful phrases for Teil 1
Opening the talk
- In meinem Vortrag geht es um …
- Zuerst stelle ich … vor, danach …, und zum Schluss …
- Ich habe das Thema gewählt, weil …
Options, depth, pros and cons
- Es gibt verschiedene Möglichkeiten, zum Beispiel …
- Genauer möchte ich auf … eingehen.
- Einerseits …, andererseits …
- Ein klarer Vorteil ist …, ein Nachteil dagegen …
Closing the talk
- Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass …
- Meiner Einschätzung nach überwiegen …
- Vielen Dank fürs Zuhören. Haben Sie Fragen?
Answering questions
- Das ist eine gute Frage. Ich denke, …
- Darauf bin ich vorhin kurz eingegangen: …
- Da bin ich mir nicht ganz sicher, aber …
Teil 2: a discussion (about 5 minutes)
Both candidates get the same controversial question, with four optional points to draw on. In about five minutes you exchange positions: say what you think and why, react to your partner's arguments, and look for where you agree or disagree.
This part is scored for task fulfilment, interaction, vocabulary and structures. Interaction means a real exchange: pick up what your partner said, ask what they mean, agree or object with a reason. The task is to exchange positions („Standpunkte austauschen“), not necessarily to agree in the end.
Useful phrases for Teil 2
Taking a position
- Ich bin der Ansicht, dass …
- Für mich spricht vor allem … dafür.
- Ich sehe das etwas anders, weil …
Reacting to your partner
- Da stimme ich dir zu, aber …
- Das ist ein wichtiger Punkt. Trotzdem …
- Wie meinst du das genau?
- Was hältst du von dem Argument, dass …?
Wrapping up the discussion
- Wir sind uns also einig, dass …
- In diesem Punkt bleiben wir unterschiedlicher Meinung.
- Ein Kompromiss könnte sein, dass …
How the 100 points are scored
The examiners rate each criterion in five bands, A to E, with fixed points per band. Teil 1 is worth up to 44 points: task fulfilment, coherence, vocabulary, structures and the questions and answers. Teil 2 is worth up to 40: task fulfilment, interaction, vocabulary and structures. Pronunciation adds up to 16 points — once, across both parts.
You pass with 60 of 100, and every B2 module is passed on its own. One rule to know: if task fulfilment for a part is rated E, that whole part scores zero.
| Part | Criterion | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aufgabenerfüllung | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 1 | Kohärenz | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 1 | Wortschatz | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 1 | Strukturen | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 1 | Fragen/Antworten | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | Aufgabenerfüllung | 10 | 7.5 | 5 | 2.5 | 0 |
| 2 | Interaktion | 10 | 7.5 | 5 | 2.5 | 0 |
| 2 | Wortschatz | 10 | 7.5 | 5 | 2.5 | 0 |
| 2 | Strukturen | 10 | 7.5 | 5 | 2.5 | 0 |
| 1 + 2 | Aussprache | 16 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 100 | |||||
Six mistakes that cost points
A talk without a frame
Teil 1 asks for an introduction, a main part and a conclusion. Say what you will cover, cover it, and close with a short summary — coherence is scored on its own.
Skipping one of the three points
Each topic comes with three points: several options or forms, one of them in depth, and pros and cons with your view. Their order changes from topic to topic — cover all three.
Treating the questions as an afterthought
Questions and answers after the talk are worth up to 12 of the 44 points in Teil 1. Answer directly, then add a reason or an example.
Two monologues in Teil 2
The discussion is scored for interaction. React to what your partner says, ask what they mean, agree or disagree with reasons — then move the discussion on.
Reading out your notes
You may take notes during the 15 minutes of preparation, but you are asked to speak freely in the exam. Keywords work; full sentences tempt you to read.
Ignoring pronunciation
Aussprache is worth 16 of the 100 points and is rated once, across both parts. A natural pace with clear word stress works best — neither rushed nor slowed down.
How to practise
Start with the official model test (Modellsatz) that the Goethe-Institut publishes for B2 on its website. Take one of its topics, prepare it in 15 minutes with keywords only, then give the talk to a friend with a timer.
For the talk, practise the frame until it is automatic: an opening sentence, the three points, a one-sentence conclusion. For the discussion, pick any everyday controversy and argue it with a partner for five minutes — and swap sides once. Record yourself now and then, and listen for word stress and sentence melody.
For the other three modules, ScoreUp has full Goethe B2 mocks of Lesen, Hören and Schreiben in the official format, with every answer explained. New accounts get three free exam credits.
Why practise on ScoreUp
- Mock exams in the official Goethe-Zertifikat format — the same parts, item counts and timing as the real exam
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Prepare the other three B2 modules
Full mocks for Lesen, Hören and Schreiben in the official format — free with your starter credits.Frequently asked questions
How long is the Goethe B2 Sprechen module?
About 15 minutes, after 15 minutes of preparation on your own. In Teil 1 each candidate talks for about 4 minutes and answers questions; Teil 2 is a discussion of about 5 minutes.
Do I take the B2 speaking test with a partner?
Usually yes — it is a paired exam, and the two candidates discuss together in Teil 2. A single-candidate version exists too; the preparation time is the same 15 minutes.
Is there a text or chart to talk about in Teil 1?
No. You choose one of two topics, and each comes with a title and three points only — no article, no chart, no data. You speak from your own knowledge and experience.
How many points do I need to pass B2 Sprechen?
The module is scored out of 100 and passes at 60. Teil 1 gives up to 44 points, Teil 2 up to 40, and pronunciation up to 16 across both parts. Each B2 module is passed on its own.
Do both candidates discuss the same question in Teil 2?
Yes. The two candidates get different topics for Teil 1 but the same question for the discussion, with four optional points to draw on.
What happens if I do not fulfil the task?
If task fulfilment for a part is rated E (0 points), that whole part scores zero — however good the rest was.
Can I use a dictionary or my phone?
No. Dictionaries, phones and other aids are not allowed in the Sprechen module.