telc b1 speaking phrases: 30 ready-to-use examples

The telc B1 speaking exam expects you to use clear, functional language; here are the most useful telc b1 speaking phrases you can practice now, followed by a step‑by‑step routine to master them.

Which telc b1 speaking phrases are essential for the exam?

Examiners look for phrases that show you can describe, compare and give opinions. Below are the core groups you should have at hand.

• Ich denke, dass … (I think that …)
• Meiner Meinung nach … (In my opinion …)
• Ein Beispiel dafür ist … (An example of that is …)
• Im Vergleich zu … (Compared to …)
• Ich würde sagen, dass … (I would say that …)
• Ein wichtiger Punkt ist … (An important point is …)
• Ich habe das Gefühl, dass … (I have the feeling that …)
• Auf der einen Seite … (On the one hand …)
• Auf der anderen Seite … (On the other hand …)
• Zusammenfassend kann man sagen … (In summary, one can say …)

These phrases cover opinion, comparison, and summarising – the three pillars of the B1 speaking task. For more everyday expressions, explore our free phrase list.

How can I use these phrases in a natural conversation?

Simply inserting a phrase is not enough; you need to blend it with personal content. Practice by answering typical prompts.

Prompt: Beschreiben Sie Ihren Lieblingsurlaub.

Antwort: Ich denke, dass mein letzter Urlaub in den Alpen besonders schön war. (I think that my last vacation in the Alps was especially beautiful.) Ein wichtiger Punkt ist, dass wir viel wandern konnten. (An important point is that we could hike a lot.) Zusammenfassend kann man sagen, dass ich sehr erholt zurückgekommen bin. (In summary, I came back very refreshed.)

Notice how each phrase introduces a new function: opinion, detail, and conclusion. Use the free speaking prompts to simulate exam topics and insert the phrases naturally.

What are common mistakes to avoid with telc b1 speaking phrases?

Even useful phrases can sound robotic if misused. Here are the pitfalls and how to fix them.

1. Over‑using the same phrase. Rotate between synonyms: instead of always saying Ich denke, dass …, try Meiner Meinung nach ….
2. Placing the phrase in the wrong part of the sentence. For example, Ich denke, dass das Wetter gut ist. is correct, but Das Wetter ist gut, ich denke. sounds awkward in a formal exam.
3. Neglecting agreement. After Im Vergleich zu … you must keep the same case: Im Vergleich zu meinem alten Job ist dieser besser. (Compared to my old job, this one is better.)
4. Forgetting linking words. Use außerdem (also) or dennoch (however) to keep the discourse fluid.

Check your own recordings with the listen‑and‑repeat tool to hear whether the intonation feels natural.

Practical 3‑step routine to master the phrases today

Spend 15 minutes a day with this simple structure.

1. Read aloud: Choose five phrases from the list above, read each twice, and record yourself.
2. Create a mini‑dialogue: Write a short answer to a prompt, inserting at least three of the chosen phrases. Example: Ich würde sagen, dass das neue Projekt spannend ist, weil es viele Lernmöglichkeiten bietet. (I would say that the new project is exciting because it offers many learning opportunities.)
3. Self‑correct: Play back the recording, compare with the model in our phrase tool, and note any unnatural pauses or mispronunciations. Then re‑record.

Repeat this cycle daily; after a week you will have a solid repertoire of the most common telc b1 speaking phrases.

How to practise these phrases with German Buddy

German Buddy lets you write or speak answers to real‑life prompts and receive gentle corrections. Use the prompt library to find B1‑level speaking topics, then answer using the phrases you just learned. The app highlights unnatural wording and offers a more natural alternative, plus a short tip for each error.

Start with the free daily allowance and see how quickly your fluency improves. When you’re ready for more intensive practice, you can enjoy 7 days of unlimited access.

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FAQ

What kind of phrases are tested in the telc B1 speaking exam?

The exam focuses on opinion statements, comparisons, explanations and summarising. Phrases like Meiner Meinung nach … and Zusammenfassend kann man sagen … are typical.

How many phrases should I memorise before the exam?

Quality beats quantity. Knowing 20‑30 versatile phrases and being able to adapt them to different topics is more effective than memorising 100 rigid sentences.

Can I use the same phrase more than once in one answer?

Yes, but only if it serves a clear purpose. Repeating a phrase without adding new information can look repetitive, so vary your connectors.

Is it better to practice speaking or writing the phrases?

Both are useful. Speaking trains pronunciation and fluency, while writing helps you see the correct word order. German Buddy offers both modes, so you can switch between them as you wish.