Have you ever frozen when asked to describe an image in German? You're not alone.

The picture description section makes many FIDE candidates nervous. But with a simple framework, you can handle it with surprising ease.

The Universal Picture Description Framework

Instead of trying to translate complex thoughts, use this simple 4-step approach that works for almost any FIDE exam image:

Step 1: Introduction (1 sentence)

Start with one of these easy openers:

• "Auf diesem Bild sehe ich..." (In this picture I see...)
• "Das Bild zeigt..." (The picture shows...)
• "Hier ist..." (Here is...)
• "Ich kann... erkennen." (I can recognize...)

Step 2: Basic Scene Elements (2-3 sentences)

Describe the setting and main people using these patterns:

• "Es gibt einen Mann/eine Frau/ein Kind..." (There is a man/woman/child...)
• "Die Szene spielt in einem/einer..." (The scene takes place in a...)
• "Links/Rechts ist..." (On the left/right is...)
• "Man sieht..." (One can see...)
• "Im Zimmer/Raum befinden sich..." (In the room there are...)

Step 3: Simple Action Description (1-2 sentences)

Describe what's happening using present tense:

• "Der Mann/Die Frau..." (The man/woman...)
  • "...spricht mit..." (...is talking to...)
  • "...kauft etwas..." (...is buying something...)
  • "...wartet auf..." (...is waiting for...)
  • "...arbeitet an..." (...is working on...)
  • "...liest/schreibt..." (...is reading/writing...)
  • "...telefoniert mit..." (...is on the phone with...)
  • "...hilft..." (...is helping...)

Step 4: Basic Conclusion (1 sentence)

Finish with a simple observation:

• "Es sieht aus wie..." (It looks like...)
• "Wahrscheinlich..." (Probably...)
• "Ich glaube, dass..." (I believe that...)
• "Es scheint, dass..." (It seems that...)
• "Vielleicht..." (Perhaps...)

Real Example: How This Works

Here's how this framework applies to a typical FIDE exam image showing a woman at a doctor's office:

"Auf diesem Bild sehe ich eine Arztpraxis. Es gibt eine Frau und einen Arzt. Die Frau sitzt auf einem Stuhl. Der Arzt steht neben ihr. Die Frau spricht mit dem Arzt über ihre Gesundheit. Wahrscheinlich hat sie Schmerzen."

That's it! Simple, clear, and perfectly adequate for the A1/A2 level.

Important: Quality Over Quantity

Remember: The examiner isn't looking for perfect German or complex descriptions. They want to see that you can:

• Identify the basic situation
• Name the main elements
• Describe simple actions
• Use basic vocabulary correctly

A description doesn't need to be poetic - it just needs to demonstrate the basic skills the examiner is checking for.

Bonus Tip: Essential Location & Description Vocabulary

Location Words:

• "im Vordergrund" (in the foreground)
• "im Hintergrund" (in the background)
• "in der Mitte" (in the middle)
• "oben/unten" (above/below)
• "daneben" (next to it)
• "gegenüber" (across from)
• "zwischen" (between)

Useful Adjectives:

• "groß/klein" (big/small)
• "jung/alt" (young/old)
• "glücklich/traurig" (happy/sad)
• "beschäftigt" (busy)
• "freundlich" (friendly)
• "modern/alt" (modern/old)

Want more help preparing for your FIDE speaking exam? My "Fide German A1/A2 Exam Prep: Essential Vocabulary and Speaking Practice" guide includes:

• Complete breakdown of all speaking test parts
• Essential vocabulary for each exam topic
• Time-saving study strategies
• Cultural tips that help you sound more natural

Get the guide that focuses on what matters most - helping you speak confidently in your FIDE exam.

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Keep studying and good luck,

Magda

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