The telc A1 speaking exam (~15 minutes, in a group or pair) has three parts: sich vorstellen — introduce yourself, possibly spell a word and say a number; Fragen stellen — ask and answer everyday questions from question cards; Bitten formulieren — make and respond to simple requests from picture cards. Short, correct sentences beat long broken ones.
Teil 1: Sich vorstellen
You introduce yourself along a fixed set of points — usually shown on a card:
- Name — „Ich heiße …“
- Alter — „Ich bin … Jahre alt.“
- Land — „Ich komme aus …“
- Wohnort — „Ich wohne in …“
- Sprachen — „Ich spreche … und ein bisschen Deutsch.“
- Beruf — „Ich arbeite als …“ / „Ich bin Student.“
- Hobby — „Mein Hobby ist …“
Then comes the part beginners forget to practice: the examiner may ask you to spell something („Buchstabieren Sie bitte Ihren Namen.“) and to say a number („Wie ist Ihre Telefonnummer?“). Drill the alphabet and numbers out loud until they're automatic.
Teil 2: Question cards on everyday topics
You draw a card showing a topic (Essen, Familie, Einkaufen, Freizeit, Wohnen…) and a word. You form a question with it; another candidate answers, then asks you one. Examples:
- Thema „Essen“, Wort „Frühstück“ → „Was isst du zum Frühstück?“
- Thema „Freizeit“, Wort „Sport“ → „Machst du Sport?“
- Thema „Wohnen“, Wort „Wohnung“ → „Wie groß ist deine Wohnung?“
The skill being tested is minimal but precise: build a correct W-question or yes/no question, and answer one in a full short sentence.
Teil 3: Picture cards — requests and reactions
You get a card with a picture (a clock, a window, a pen…) and formulate a request or ask a favor: „Können Sie mir bitte sagen, wie spät es ist?“ — „Machen Sie bitte das Fenster zu.“ The other candidate reacts appropriately: „Ja, gern.“ / „Natürlich, hier bitte.“
Learn a small kit of request starters — Können Sie bitte…? Kannst du mir…? Ich hätte gern… — and the standard polite reactions. That kit covers almost every picture.
The exact card formats, spoken out loud
ZertFox's A1 level mirrors this exam directly:
- Practice the introduction with an AI partner that asks the follow-ups — including spelling and numbers.
- Drill question cards: the app shows topic + word, you ask out loud, the AI answers and asks back.
- Work through picture cards, forming requests and hearing natural reactions.
- Replay your sessions and check the AI-estimated feedback — at A1, hearing your own pronunciation improve is the fastest motivator there is.
Frequently asked questions
Which telc A1 exam do I need for a visa?
For spousal/family reunification visas, "telc Deutsch A1 für Zuwanderer" and equivalent A1 certificates are the usual proof. Confirm the accepted certificates with the embassy handling your application.
Do grammar mistakes fail me at A1?
No — A1 examiners expect errors. What matters is that your message is understandable and you can handle the basic formats: introduce, ask, answer, request.
What comes after A1?
Most learners aim next at B1, the level required for permanent residence and citizenship — where the speaking exam becomes a real conversation.
Learn more: the B1 speaking exam →