---
title: "Goethe A1 Listening Part 3: Short Messages (MC)"
description: "Listening Part 3 of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: 5 short messages and announcements, each with one task and three answers (a/b/c). Strategy, mistakes and a worked example."
canonical: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/listening/part-3"
url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/listening/part-3.md"
locale: "en"
provider: "Goethe"
level: "A1"
alternates:
  de: "https://prepliq.com/de/modelltest/goethe-zertifikat-deutsch-a1/hoeren/teil-3.md"
  en: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/listening/part-3.md"
  fr: "https://prepliq.com/fr/examen-blanc/goethe-zertifikat-allemand-a1/comprehension-orale/partie-3.md"
  it: "https://prepliq.com/it/simulazione-esame/goethe-zertifikat-tedesco-a1/ascolto/parte-3.md"
  es: "https://prepliq.com/es/modelo-de-examen/goethe-zertifikat-aleman-a1/comprension-oral/parte-3.md"
---

# Goethe A1 Listening Part 3 – Short Messages

> Listening Part 3 of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: 5 short messages and announcements, each with one task and three answers (a/b/c). Strategy, mistakes and a worked example.

## 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.

- Task type: Multiple choice
- Focus: Understanding messages

## 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.

**What you practice:** Understanding messages, Listening for time & place, Choosing from three answers

## 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.

**Du hörst (sinngemäß):** „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
  - Answer: b — 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?
  - a) at 8 o’clock
  - b) at 9 o’clock
  - c) at 10 o’clock
  - Answer: b — Paul says “nicht um acht, sondern erst um neun Uhr” (not at eight, but at nine). So the meeting is at 9 o’clock (b).

## Common mistakes

- **Missing the negation:** “nicht um acht, sondern um neun” – listen carefully for the correction, or you’ll pick the wrong time.
- **Confusing numbers:** Times and similar numbers easily sound alike. Listen to the whole 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

- 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.

## 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 3 – Short Messages](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/listening/part-3)