The Speaking module of the Goethe B1 exam (Sprechen) is worth 45 out of 180 total marks — and it is the module most candidates prepare for last, often leaving only a few days before the exam. This is a mistake. Speaking German in an exam setting under time pressure is very different from understanding German or even writing it. This guide gives you the 15 most frequently appearing Goethe B1 speaking card topics, the structure that earns the highest marks, and ready-to-use vocabulary for each.
How the Goethe B1 Speaking Test Works
The B1 speaking test is conducted in pairs — you are tested with another exam candidate, not just with the examiner. It has three parts: Part 1 (about 2 minutes) is a structured introduction of yourself. Part 2 (about 3-4 minutes) involves each candidate picking a card with a suggestion, presenting it briefly, and then together discussing which suggestion is better. Part 3 (about 3-4 minutes) involves jointly planning something based on two given options.
| Part | What Happens | Time | Key Skill Tested |
| Teil 1 — Vorstellung | Introduce yourself: name, home, job, hobbies, family | ~2 min each | Fluency, basic vocabulary, self-expression |
| Teil 2 — Kartenaufgabe | Present your card suggestion + discuss partner’s suggestion | ~4 min total | Presenting ideas, agreeing/disagreeing politely |
| Teil 3 — Gemeinsam planen | Plan something together from two options | ~3 min | Negotiation, suggestions, compromise vocabulary |
The 15 Most Common Goethe B1 Card Topics
| Topic | Sample Suggestion on Card | Useful Vocabulary |
| Birthday celebration | Geburtstag im Restaurant feiern | feiern, einladen, reservieren, Geburtstagskuchen, Uberraschung |
| Healthy living | Jeden Tag 30 Minuten spazieren gehen | gesund, Sport treiben, sich ernahren, ausruhen, Stress abbauen |
| Learning German | Einen Sprachkurs besuchen | Sprachkurs, uben, Vokabeln lernen, Fortschritte machen |
| Weekend activity | Ein Museum besuchen | Ausstellung, interessant, Eintrittskarte, Fuhrung, besichtigen |
| Environmental protection | Weniger Plastik verwenden | Umwelt, recyclieren, vermeiden, Abfall trennen, nachhaltig |
| Travel planning | Eine Reise nach Berlin machen | buchen, Hotel, Sehenswurdigkeiten, Reiseplan, unterwegs sein |
| Job search | Stellenanzeigen im Internet suchen | Bewerbung, Lebenslauf, Vorstellungsgesprach, Arbeitsstelle |
| Housing problem | Eine grosere Wohnung suchen | umziehen, Miete, Quadratmeter, Makler, Nebenkosten |
| Technology use | Ein Smartphone kaufen | App, Akku, Bildschirm, herunterladen, aktualisieren |
| Eating habits | Mehr Gemuse und Obst essen | Ernahrung, kochen, Zutaten, vegan, vegetarisch |
| Gift for a colleague | Eine Pflanze als Geschenk kaufen | schenken, praktisch, personlich, verpacken, uberreichen |
| Fitness plan | Ins Fitnessstudio gehen | Mitgliedschaft, trainieren, Muskeln, ausdauer, Kurs |
| Learning a new skill | Einen Kochkurs machen | anmelden, Kurs, lernen, ausprobieren, Rezept |
| City outing | Mit der Familie ins Kino gehen | Film, Kasse, Popcorn, Vorstellung, gemeinsam |
| Organising a class event | Ein Klassenfest planen | organisieren, einladen, Programm, Dekoration, vorbereiten |
A Reliable Structure for Part 2 (Card Task)
For each card, use this four-part structure: (1) State what the card suggests. (2) Give two reasons why it is a good idea. (3) Mention one potential problem. (4) Ask your partner what they think. This structure reliably fills 90 seconds and shows B1-level argumentation.
- Example for “Geburtstag im Restaurant feiern”: “Meine Karte schlagt vor, den Geburtstag in einem Restaurant zu feiern. Ich denke, das ist eine gute Idee, weil man sich um nichts kummern muss. Auerdem ist die Atmosphare schon. Ein Nachteil konnte sein, dass es teuer ist. Was meinst du?”
Part 3: Useful Phrases for Joint Planning
- Making a suggestion: “Ich schlage vor, dass wir…” / “Wie ware es, wenn…”
- Agreeing: “Das finde ich auch gut.” / “Da stimme ich zu.”
- Disagreeing politely: “Ich bin nicht sicher, ob das eine gute Idee ist, weil…” / “Das sehe ich ein bisschen anders.”
- Reaching a compromise: “Vielleicht konnen wir beides machen?” / “Einverstanden, dann machen wir das.”
Key Takeaways
- The B1 speaking test has 3 parts: self-introduction, card task with partner, and joint planning.
- Use the 4-part structure for card tasks: state suggestion, give 2 reasons, mention 1 problem, ask partner’s opinion.
- Practise all 15 common topics by preparing 3-4 key sentences and vocabulary for each.
- Fluency matters more than perfection — speak in full sentences even if grammar is not perfect.
- Record yourself daily for the 2 weeks before your exam. Listening back reveals natural pauses and vocabulary gaps.
References & Further Reading
- Goethe-Institut B1 Sprechen Sample Tasks: https://www.goethe.de/en/spr/kup/prf/prf/gb1.html
- languagetest.in — Goethe B1 Speaking Practice: https://languagetest.in
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