Overcome A1 German Speaking Anxiety: Pass Goethe & ÖSD Exam

n the first part of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 speaking exam, you will be asked to introduce yourself using simple German sentences. This part is called “Sich vorstellen” (introducing yourself) and usually lasts around 2–3 minutes.

You will sit with one or two other candidates, and each of you will take turns speaking.

✅ You will be expected to say:

• Your name

• Where you are from

• Your age

• Where you live

  
  

✅ Example phrases:

• Ich heiße Maria. (My name is Maria.)

• Ich komme aus dem Libanon. (I come from Lebanon.)

• Ich bin 28 Jahre alt. (I am 28 years old.)

• Ich wohne in Syrien

  
  

In the first part of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 speaking exam, you will be asked to introduce yourself using simple German sentences. This part is called “Sich vorstellen” (introducing yourself) and usually lasts around 2–3 minutes.

You will sit with one or two other candidates, and each of you will take turns speaking.

✅ You will be expected to say:

• Your name

• Where you are from

• Where you live

• What languages you speak

• Your age

• Your profession or occupation

• Your hobbies

✅ Example phrases:

• Ich heiße Maria. (My name is Maria.)

• Ich komme aus dem Libanon. (I come from Lebanon.)

• Ich bin 28 Jahre alt. (I am 28 years old.)

• Ich spreche Arabisch und ein bisschen Deutsch. (I speak Arabic and a little German.)

• Ich bin Lehrer von Beruf. (I’m a teacher by profession.)

• Meine Hobbys sind Musik und Schwimmen. (My hobbies are music and swimming.)

In this part, learners practice asking and answering simple questions based on a prompt card. The focus is on basic communication in everyday situations using short, clear sentences.

? What Happens:

• Each learner receives a prompt card with a topic and key words (usually 3).

• The task is to ask your partner questions based on those keywords.

• Then, your partner answers the questions.

• After that, the roles switch: your partner asks, and you answer.

? Duration:

About 3–4 minutes total (1.5–2 minutes per person).

? Skills Tested:

• Forming simple questions (W-Fragen and Ja/Nein questions)

• Understanding and responding appropriately to questions

• Using basic vocabulary and grammar correctly

• Pronunciation and clarity of speech

In Part 3 of the Goethe A1 Speaking Exam, you will learn how to make and respond to simple requests in German. This part is about everyday situations where you might need to ask for help or borrow something politely — for example, asking for a pen, help with homework, or directions.

You and your partner (or the examiner) will take turns making short, polite requests and answering them. You will practice using phrases like:

• „Kannst du mir bitte helfen?“ (Can you help me, please?)

• „Hast du einen Stift für mich?“ (Do you have a pen for me?)

• „Ja, natürlich!“ (Yes, of course!)

• „Tut mir leid, ich habe keinen.“ (Sorry, I don’t have one.)

This part is short, simple, and all about using German in a real, polite way. It’s a great chance to show that you can communicate in daily situations — even with just a few words!

Get a complete high-level blueprint of the A1 German Oral Exam! Learn what examiners look for across all 3 parts, how points are distributed (15 points total), key time management rules, and the golden rules of A1 communication: simplicity, clarity, and active politeness.

1. Format: Introduce yourself using 7 key prompt words, spell a word, and state a phone number/zip code.

2. Weight: 3 Points

1. Format: Draw word cards based on everyday themes (Essen & Trinken, Einkaufen, etc.), ask your partner a question, and answer theirs.

2. Weight: 6 Points (2 cards per candidate)

1. Format: Draw picture cards (Bilderkarte), formulate a polite request, and respond to your partner's request.

2. Weight: 6 Points (2 cards per candidate)