Goethe-Zertifikat B1 · Modelltest · Part 5 – Rules (MC)
Goethe B1 Reading (Lesen) Part 5 – Rules
Or practise it right here online – with your score and every answer explained
In Part 5 you read rules or instructions and answer multiple-choice questions. Here’s how to find the right rule.
Key takeaways
- You read rules or instructions (e.g. house rules) and answer 4 multiple-choice tasks.
- Look for the exact rule for the question – not just one matching word.
What this part tests
Part 5 tests whether you understand rules, notices or instructions – for example house rules, terms of participation or an instruction manual. You answer four tasks with three options each (a, b or c).
It’s about selective understanding: for each question you look for the exact rule in the text. Conditions, times, prohibitions and exceptions matter. You don’t have to memorize the whole text, just find the matching spot.
Wrong options often name a time or condition that is almost, but not quite, right. Read the rule carefully. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read each question and consider which rule is meant.
- 2
Look for the matching spot in the text – often a condition or a time.
- 3
Compare the options carefully with the rule in the text.
- 4
Watch for exceptions (“außer”, “nur”, “nicht am …”).
- 5
Choose the option that fits the rule exactly.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: read the rule and choose the right option.
Aus den Kursbedingungen: „Eine Anmeldung ist bis spätestens eine Woche vor Kursbeginn möglich. Eine Rückerstattung der Gebühr gibt es nur bei Krankheit mit ärztlichem Attest."
When do you get the fee back?
- aimmer, wenn man absagt
- nur bei Krankheit mit Attest
- cnie
Why? The condition says: refund “nur bei Krankheit mit ärztlichem Attest” (only with a doctor’s note) – that’s b. (a) is too general, (c) contradicts the text.
Practice: test yourself
Aus einer Hausordnung (sinngemäß): „Die Waschküche kann von 8 bis 20 Uhr genutzt werden. Am Sonntag bleibt sie geschlossen. Bitte reinigen Sie die Maschine nach jeder Nutzung."
When may the laundry room not be used?
In the house rules the laundry room stays “am Sonntag geschlossen” (closed on Sunday) – that’s b. Saturday at 10 and Monday at 6 pm fall within the allowed hours (8–20).Want to see how this feels in practice?
Try this section in an exam-like format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
Free to try · No account needed
Common mistakes
“außer am Sonntag”, “nur mit Anmeldung” change the rule. Read carefully.
An option often names a similar time. Check the exact detail.
Only the rule in the text counts, not what is otherwise usual.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an option if you have to.
Tips
- For each question, look specifically for the matching rule in the text.
- Watch for conditions, times and exceptions.
- Practice reading house rules, instructions and notices.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 5 have?
Four multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c) on rules or instructions.
What should I watch for in Part 5?
Conditions, times and exceptions. For each question, look for the exact rule in the text.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – answer every task.
What’s the best way to practice Part 5?
Read house rules, instructions and notices and practice finding rules. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer explained after each task.
Other parts
Useful resources
Check if you’re ready for this exam part
Practice in an exam-like format with real time limits, get an assessment modelled on the official criteria, and see where you still need work.
- Exam-like task format with real time limits
- Assessment modelled on the official exam criteria
- This exam part as a model test, results right away
- Every answer explained right after the test
Free to try · No account needed