The Silent Partner
Goethe A1 Sprechen, Part 2: you and a partner must ask and answer questions using picture cards (e.g., "Essen", "Sport", "Wohnung"). Your partner is nervous and gives one-word answers, then stops. You have already asked your three questions and answered two. There are 90 seconds left in the pair phase. The examiner is watching but does not intervene. You are unsure whether to fill the silence or wait.
1. Should you fill the silence? If so, how, without dominating?
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Yes, but gently and briefly. Silence hurts both candidates. Use a simple follow-up or a re-offer: "Und du? Was isst du gern?" or "Möchtest du mich etwas fragen?" This keeps the interaction going and shows communicative ability - which is what A1 Sprechen Part 2 assesses. Do not launch into long monologues; one short prompt, then hand the turn back. Dominating also costs points.
2. What if your partner still does not respond?
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Continue with a short, simple statement of your own so the pair phase is not dead air: "Ich esse gern Reis. Und trinkst du gern Kaffee?" Keep sentences A1-level and clear. The examiner is grading your ability to interact; a calm, simple recovery reads better than freezing or switching to English. Never switch to English or your native language - that is an immediate penalty.
3. You realize you used "Sie" with your partner by mistake. Fix or ignore?
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Fix it once, calmly. A1 pair tasks use du. A single slip is minor; repeated "Sie" suggests you have not internalized the informal register. Correct with a natural rephrase: "Wie heißt du? - Entschuldigung, ich meine: Wie heißt du?" Do not apologize at length or restart the whole task. Quick self-correction is itself a positive signal to the examiner.