Goethe A1 Listening Part 3 – Short Messages
In Part 3 you hear five short messages or announcements, for example on the answering machine. For each you choose from three answers.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- 5 short messages or announcements – choose from three answers (a/b/c) per task.
- You hear each text twice. Focus on the important information.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you understand short messages and announcements – often answering-machine messages or short everyday announcements. For each you solve a task with three answers (a, b or c).
As in Part 1, it’s about one simple piece of information: when is the appointment? where do the people meet? what should you bring? You don’t have to understand every word. You hear each text twice.
Watch especially for times and places – and for negations that change the information (“nicht um acht, sondern um neun”). Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before listening, read the task and the three answers.
- 2
Think about what to listen for: a time, a place, a name?
- 3
Listen to the text and focus on that information.
- 4
Watch for negations like “nicht … sondern”, which change the answer.
- 5
Mark your answer and check it on the second listen.
- 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 message and choose the right answer.
„Hallo Lisa, hier ist Mama. Kannst du bitte Milch und Eier kaufen? Brot haben wir noch genug. Danke, bis später!"
What should Lisa buy? (a) milk and bread · (b) milk and eggs · (c) bread and eggs
Why? The mother asks for “Milch und Eier”; there is “noch genug” (enough) bread. So the correct answer is milk and eggs (b).
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) eine Nachricht: „Hallo Maria, hier ist Paul. Wir treffen uns morgen nicht um acht, sondern erst um neun Uhr am Bahnhof. Bis morgen!"
When do Maria and Paul meet?
Common mistakes
“nicht um acht, sondern um neun” – listen carefully for the correction, or you’ll pick the wrong time.
Times and similar numbers easily sound alike. Listen to the whole word.
Without knowing the task, you listen aimlessly. Use the time before listening.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an answer if you have to.
Tips
- In messages, watch especially for corrections (“nicht …, sondern …”).
- Practice understanding times and places.
- Always use the second listen to check.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 3 have?
Five. You hear five short messages or announcements and choose from three answers (a/b/c) for each.
Do I hear the texts in Part 3 twice?
Yes. The texts are played twice – use the second listen to check.
What should I watch for in Part 3?
Times, places and negations. Often a piece of information is corrected (“nicht …, sondern …”).
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Listen to short messages and practice times and places. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 600+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat A1 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat A1 practice test – with answers and study material.