---
title: "Goethe A1 Listening Part 1: Short Conversations (MC)"
description: "Listening Part 1 of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: 6 short conversations, each with one task and three answers (a/b/c). Format, strategy, mistakes and a worked example."
canonical: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/listening/part-1"
url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/listening/part-1.md"
locale: "en"
provider: "Goethe"
level: "A1"
alternates:
  de: "https://prepliq.com/de/modelltest/goethe-zertifikat-deutsch-a1/hoeren/teil-1.md"
  en: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/listening/part-1.md"
  fr: "https://prepliq.com/fr/examen-blanc/goethe-zertifikat-allemand-a1/comprehension-orale/partie-1.md"
  it: "https://prepliq.com/it/simulazione-esame/goethe-zertifikat-tedesco-a1/ascolto/parte-1.md"
  es: "https://prepliq.com/es/modelo-de-examen/goethe-zertifikat-aleman-a1/comprension-oral/parte-1.md"
---

# Goethe A1 Listening Part 1 – Short Conversations

> Listening Part 1 of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: 6 short conversations, each with one task and three answers (a/b/c). Format, strategy, mistakes and a worked example.

## Key takeaways

- 6 short conversations – choose from three answers or pictures (a/b/c) per task.
- You hear each text twice. Focus on the one important piece of information.

- Task type: Multiple choice
- Focus: Understanding simple conversations

## What this part tests

Part 1 tests whether you understand short everyday conversations. You hear six short texts – for example at the till, at the station or in a café – and solve one task each with three answers (a, b or c), often with pictures.

It’s about one simple piece of information: what time is it? what does it cost? where does the bus go? You don’t have to understand every word, just recognize the important information. You hear each text twice.

The biggest hurdle is numbers and similar words. Before listening, read the task and look at the pictures so you listen specifically for the right information. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.

**What you practice:** Understanding short conversations, Hearing numbers & times, Choosing from three answers

## How to approach it

1. Before listening, read the task and look at the three pictures or answers.
2. Think about what to listen for: a time, a price, a place?
3. Listen to the text and focus on that information.
4. Mark your answer and check it on the second listen.
5. Don’t leave any task open – when unsure, guess.
6. Transfer your answers to the answer sheet in good time.

## Example task with answer

A short example in the same format: you hear a short conversation and choose the right answer.

**Du hörst (sinngemäß):** „Was kostet der Kaffee?" – „Zwei Euro zwanzig, bitte." – „Hier sind drei Euro." – „Danke, achtzig Cent zurück."

- What does the coffee cost? (a) €2.20 · (b) €2.80 · (c) €3.00
  - Answer: a — The seller says “zwei Euro zwanzig” – €2.20 (a). “2.80” is roughly the change, “3.00” is what the customer gave.

## Practice: test yourself

Du hörst (sinngemäß): „Wann fährt der nächste Bus zum Bahnhof?" – „Um Viertel vor drei." – „Danke!"

- When does the bus leave?
  - a) 14:45
  - b) 15:15
  - c) 15:45
  - Answer: a — “Viertel vor drei” means 14:45 (a quarter to three). “Viertel nach drei” would be 15:15 (b), “Viertel vor vier” would be 15:45 (c).

## Common mistakes

- **Confusing numbers:** “Viertel vor” and “Viertel nach”, or “13” and “30”, sound similar. Listen carefully to the whole word.
- **Trying to understand everything:** You only need the one important piece of information. Focus on it instead of every word.
- **Not reading the task first:** Without knowing the task, you listen aimlessly. Use the time before listening.
- **Leaving boxes blank:** No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an answer if you have to.

## Tips

- Practice numbers, prices and times especially – they come up often in Part 1.
- Look at the pictures carefully before the text starts.
- Always use the second listen to check.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many tasks does listening Part 1 have?

Six. You hear six short conversations and choose from three answers (a/b/c) for each.

### Do I hear the conversations in Part 1 twice?

Yes. The texts in Part 1 are played twice – use the second listen to check.

### Are wrong answers penalized?

No. There is no penalty for guessing – so answer every task.

### What’s the best way to practice Part 1?

Listen to short everyday dialogues and practice numbers and times. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.

## Ready for the exam?

[Practice this part on Prepliq](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1?action=start&sectionId=Listening%20Comprehension)

[Goethe A1 Listening Part 1 – Short Conversations](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/listening/part-1)