Sprechen (Speaking): Communicate, Don't Perform
What A1 speaking really tests
The A1 speaking test has three parts: introducing yourself, asking and answering questions on everyday topics (cards), and making requests / responding to picture or word prompts. You are graded on communicative success and basic pronunciation, not on perfect grammar. The examiner wants to see you use simple German to exchange information.
The concepts you must control: self-introduction phrases (Ich heiße…, Ich komme aus…, Ich wohne in…, Ich bin … Jahre alt, Meine Sprachen sind…), W-questions and answers (Wo? Wann? Was? Wie viel? Wer?), polite requests (Können Sie…? Ich möchte…, Geben Sie mir bitte…), and the alphabet and numbers for spelling and prices.
Traps to expect
- One-word answers: "Ja" or "Kino" is not enough. Use a full short sentence ("Ich gehe ins Kino.").
- Forgetting to ask: Part 2 requires you to form questions, not just answer. Practise turning a keyword ("Uhrzeit") into "Wie viel Uhr ist es?"
- Silence: if you don't know a word, paraphrase or say "Wie bitte?" - keep talking.
- Formal/informal mix-up: use Sie with the examiner in role-plays unless told otherwise.
- Pronunciation of tricky sounds: ü, ö, ch, and the -er ending.
Rule of thumb
Answer + one extra detail. If asked "Wo wohnst du?", say "Ich wohne in Berlin. Das ist schön." This shows fluency without risk.
Worked example (Part 3 request): Prompt: Sie möchten ein Glas Wasser. Say: "Entschuldigung, können Sie mir bitte ein Glas Wasser geben?" - polite opening + request + bitte. That structure works for almost any A1 request.