DTZ Sprechen Teil 3: Planning Together — 4 Dialogue Functions and Phrases
How to pass the planning dialogue in DTZ: a checklist of 4 functions, ready-made Redemittel for each, and rescue phrases for when you don't know what to say.
⏱ 7 min
What is expected of you in DTZ Sprechen Teil 3
Duration: 4–5 minutes of dialogue with a partner. You both receive a situation (a celebration, a trip, a gift, etc.) and must agree on the details.
The main thing: reach a common decision. Don't persuade your partner — but agree. You are assessed on whether you can interact: propose, react, ask, agree. Perfect grammar is not the main thing here — active participation and reaction to your partner earn points.
Four Dialogue Functions: Your Checklist
In the exam, you need to use all 4 functions at least once. If all 4 are present in your speech — it's automatically B1.
Main life hack: learn 3 phrases from each function (12 phrases in total) — and you can talk about any planning topic. The topic is just decoration; the dialogue framework is the same everywhere.
1. Vorschlagen (to propose) — 2–3 times
When you want to suggest an idea: a date, a place, an activity.
2. Reagieren (to react) — to each suggestion
When your partner has suggested something — agree or gently decline.
3. Fragen stellen (to clarify) — 2–3 times
When you need details or your partner's opinion.
4. Entscheiden (to decide) — 1–2 times
At the end of the dialogue — confirm the common decision.
Function 1: Vorschlagen — to propose an idea
Ich schlage vor, dass wir …
I suggest that we … (formal)
Wie wäre es, wenn wir …?
How about we …? (polite)
Wollen wir vielleicht …?
Maybe we …? (conversational)
Was hältst du davon, wenn wir …?
What do you think if we …? (polite)
Ich habe eine Idee: wir können …
I have an idea: we can … (simple)
Wir könnten auch …
We could also … (cautious)
Function 2: Reagieren — to agree or gently decline
Important: don't just say «nein» — it sounds rude and lowers your score. Use a soft refusal + counter-proposal.
Das ist eine gute Idee!
That's a good idea!
Ja, einverstanden!
Yes, I agree!
Super, das machen wir.
Great, let's do that.
Das klingt interessant.
Sounds interesting.
Hmm, ich bin nicht ganz einverstanden. Vielleicht können wir …?
Hmm, I don't quite agree. Maybe we …?
Das ist eine gute Idee, aber ich finde besser, wenn wir …
Good idea, but I prefer if we …
Ich bin mir nicht sicher. Wie wäre es mit …?
I'm not sure. How about …?
Das gefällt mir nicht so gut, weil … Ich schlage vor: …
I don't really like that because … I suggest …
Function 3: Fragen stellen — to ask a question
Wann sollen wir …?
When should we …?
Wo treffen wir uns?
Where will we meet?
Was nehmen wir mit?
What will we bring?
Wie viel kostet das?
How much does it cost?
Wer kommt noch mit?
Who else is coming with us?
Was meinst du dazu?
What do you think about it?
Bist du damit einverstanden?
Do you agree with that?
Hast du eine bessere Idee?
Do you have a better idea?
Funktion 4: Entscheiden — to make a decision
Gut, dann machen wir das so.
Okay, then let's do it that way.
Wir sind uns einig.
We agree (it's settled).
Also, wir treffen uns am [Datum] um [Uhrzeit].
So, we'll meet on [date] at [time].
Perfekt, das ist abgemacht!
Great, it's a deal!
Dann ist alles geklärt.
Then everything is clear.
Super, ich freue mich darauf!
Super, I'm looking forward to it!
Lifeline phrases: what to say when you're stuck or pausing
The main mistake in the exam is silence. If you don't know what to say, these phrases give you time to think and are still counted as active participation.
Hmm, lass mich kurz überlegen …
Hmm, let me think … (time to reflect)
Das ist eine interessante Frage.
That's an interesting question. (stalling for time)
Moment bitte, ich denke nach.
One moment, I'm thinking.
Wie kann ich das sagen …
How shall I put it … (searching for a word)
Also, ich denke …
So, I think … (universal opening)
If your partner is silent — draw them out
This gives a huge plus to your score: you show that you are managing the dialogue. If your partner is weaker than you, don't be silent and don't do it for them: ask questions, offer choices. Your score also depends on whether you managed to finish the dialogue together.
Was meinst du dazu?
What do you think about it?
Hast du vielleicht eine andere Idee?
Maybe you have another idea?
Soll ich noch einen Vorschlag machen?
Should I make another suggestion?
Wir können auch zusammen überlegen.
We can think together.
Aber zurück zur Frage …
But let's return to the question … (return to the topic)
Ich glaube, wir müssen noch … entscheiden.
I think we still need to decide …
FAQ
What to do if your dialogue partner is silent or very weak?
Drawing out the dialogue yourself is a plus for your score: ask questions ("Was meinst du dazu?"), offer choices. You are being assessed, but you need to bring the planning to a decision together.
Do I have to agree with all of my partner's suggestions?
No — polite disagreement with a counter-proposal sounds even stronger: "Das ist eine gute Idee, aber ich finde besser, wenn wir …". A rude "nein" without an alternative lowers your score.
What is assessed in the planning dialogue?
Interaction: proposing, reacting, clarifying, and agreeing (4 functions). If all four are present in your speech and you reach a common decision — that's B1. Perfect grammar is not required.
What planning topics are there?
Everyday joint activities: a party for a colleague, a trip, a gift, a picnic, attending a course. The topic is a decoration: the dialogue framework and phrases are the same for all topics.
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