The oral examination is for many candidates the part they dread most. It is the second section of the compulsory subject examination (Pflichtfachprüfung), the part of the first legal state examination that is often called the Staatsexamen. This guide describes the procedure based on the information of the Joint Legal Examination Office for Berlin and Brandenburg (GJPA) and shows how you can prepare for it.
Short answer: In the compulsory subject examination in Berlin and Brandenburg, the oral examination consists of a ten-minute presentation, a five-minute in-depth discussion and an examination conversation on three compulsory subjects. It is meant to take about 45 minutes. The invitation must be issued at least two weeks in advance. Based on the page of the GJPA, accessed 26 May 2026. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- The oral examination has three parts: a ten-minute presentation, a five-minute in-depth discussion and an examination conversation in three sections.
- The entire oral examination is meant to take about 45 minutes.
- You receive the results of the written examination at the latest with the invitation to the oral examination.
- The invitation must be issued at least two weeks before the date.
- Before the oral examination you are offered the chance to talk with the chair of the examination board.
- Registration for the spring campaign 2027 runs from 2 November to 11 December 2026.
How is the oral examination structured?
The GJPA page describes the oral examination in three successive parts. The table summarises them. For the examination conversation the page names no separate duration, only the total of about 45 minutes.
| Part | Duration according to the page | Content according to the page |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | ten minutes | presentation by the candidate |
| In-depth discussion | five minutes | deepening of the presentation |
| Examination conversation | no separate duration given | three sections, one per compulsory subject |
| Total duration | about 45 minutes | stated as a guideline on the page |
The presentation gives you the opportunity to set out a topic in a structured way. The in-depth discussion follows directly from it. In the examination conversation, the three compulsory subjects are then examined in three sections, each devoted to one subject.
When do you receive the results and the invitation?
The written examination consists of seven invigilated papers of five hours each. You receive the results at the latest with the invitation to the oral examination. The invitation must be issued at least two weeks before the date. The page names no concrete dates, you learn them with the invitation.
| Step | Timing according to the page |
|---|---|
| Admission notice | about three to four weeks before the written examination, together with the invitation, by ordinary letter |
| Written examination | seven invigilated papers of five hours each |
| Results | at the latest with the invitation to the oral examination |
| Invitation to the oral examination | at least two weeks before the date |
Assumption: the invitation arrives on 1 March. The date is then at the earliest on 15 March. At least 14 days remain between invitation and examination for final preparation. If you need more time, clarify this early with the examination office.
What does the conversation with the chair offer?
The page provides that before the oral examination you are given the opportunity to talk with the chair of the examination board. Use it for questions about the procedure and formalities. Such a conversation is not meant for a preliminary check of content, so prepare the questions in an organisational rather than a substantive way.
Possible questions concern how the presentation is set, which documents you must bring and how to divide your time. If you are unsure, write the questions down beforehand so that you do not forget anything in the conversation.
How do you prepare for the presentation and the conversation?
Preparation can be broken down into manageable steps. A ten-minute presentation is shorter than many expect, and it requires a clear structure. The five-minute in-depth discussion forces you to explain your thoughts precisely.
- Practise the presentation aloud and time it until you reliably keep to ten minutes.
- Prepare three to five in-depth questions on your presentation that you can answer yourself.
- Review the three compulsory subjects so that you can reproduce the basics in each section with confidence.
- Simulate the examination conversation with a study group or with someone who challenges you on the subject.
- Plan the last days before the date so that you consolidate what you know instead of learning new material.
If the situation puts you under heavy strain, general strategies against blocking can help. Our article Overcome exam anxiety: tips against blackouts (in German) describes approaches that also suit oral examinations.
Is this the same in all federal states?
No. The information refers to the compulsory subject examination in Berlin and Brandenburg, for which the Joint Legal Examination Office is responsible. The procedural rules in other states can differ, even if the broad structure is often similar. Ask the responsible examination office before you base your preparation on information from elsewhere.
How does registration relate to the date?
The page names two registration windows: for the autumn campaign 2026 from 4 May to 12 June 2026, and for the spring campaign 2027 from 2 November to 11 December 2026. The current application form is dated 15 July 2025. The page gives the average processing time of the application as 15 weeks.
According to this page, the registration window for the spring campaign 2027 runs until 11 December 2026. Check the dates with the GJPA before registering. If you want to register, do not underestimate the deadline, because with a processing time of 15 weeks the waiting period starts when the application arrives.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the oral examination last?
The page gives about 45 minutes as the duration. Ten minutes are for the presentation and five minutes for the in-depth discussion. The remainder goes to the examination conversation on the three compulsory subjects.
Do I receive the results of the written examination before the invitation?
The page names the invitation as the latest point in time. It does not say whether the notice comes earlier. Expect the results at the earliest with the invitation.
Can I choose the topic of the presentation myself?
The page contains no information on this. Ask the GJPA how the presentation is set before you commit to a format.
What happens if I am ill on the day of the examination?
Withdrawal requires timely notification and evidence. Our article on withdrawal from the state examination (in German) explains the details. If you fall ill, contact the examination office as soon as possible.
Where do I find the exact date?
The page names no concrete dates for the oral examination. You receive the date with the invitation, which is sent at least two weeks in advance.
What you should do now
- Check whether you want to use the registration window for the spring campaign 2027, which closes on 11 December 2026.
- Allow enough lead time for a processing time of around 15 weeks.
- Prepare the presentation, the in-depth discussion and the three compulsory subjects separately.
- Clarify open questions about the procedure with the chair when you are given the opportunity.
- Keep the invitation and the admission notice carefully.
Related reading
- Freiversuch im Staatsexamen: Was zählt und welche Fristen gelten (in German)
- Overcome Exam Anxiety: Tips Against Blackouts
- Staatsexamen and Referendariat: Reforms, deadlines and rules at a glance
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
