Goethe A1 Reading Part 3 – Signs & Notices
In Part 3 you read signs and notices and decide for each statement between true and false. Here’s how to understand the notices reliably.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You read signs and notices and decide for 5 statements: true or false?
- Watch for the exact information – opening hours, a ban, a note.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you understand short signs and notices – for example opening hours, notes or bans in public places like a shop, station or school. You decide for five statements whether they are true or false.
It’s about one exact piece of information: when is something open? what is allowed or forbidden? where do you find something? You don’t have to understand every word, just recognize the important detail.
A false statement often differs in just one detail – a different day, a different time, a “nicht”. Read carefully for the detail. Every correct decision scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the statement first and consider which information you’re looking for on the sign.
- 2
Read the sign and find the matching detail (time, place, note).
- 3
Compare the statement with the sign: does the detail really match?
- 4
Decide true or false and move on to the next task.
- 5
Transfer your answers to the answer sheet in good time.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: you read a sign and decide whether the statement is true.
Schild im Park: „Bitte den Rasen nicht betreten. Hunde an der Leine führen."
Statement: “You may walk on the grass.”
Why? The sign says “Bitte den Rasen nicht betreten” (please do not walk on the grass). So you may not – the statement is wrong – false.
Practice: test yourself
Du liest (sinngemäß) ein Schild an einem Café: „Öffnungszeiten: Dienstag bis Sonntag 9–18 Uhr. Montag Ruhetag."
Is the statement true or false? Statement: “The café is open on Monday.”
Common mistakes
Even a different day or time makes the statement false. Read carefully.
“geschlossen”, “Ruhetag”, “kein”, “nicht” flip the statement. Watch for them specifically.
Read the statement first, then the sign – that way you search purposefully.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an answer if you have to.
Tips
- Watch for opening hours, days and bans – that’s usually where it’s decided.
- Read the whole sign before you decide.
- Practice reading typical signs (shop, station, school).
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 3 have?
Five true/false tasks on signs and notices.
What kind of texts are in Part 3?
Short signs and notices in public places – for example opening hours, notes or bans.
What should I watch for?
The exact detail – day, time or a “geschlossen”/“nicht”. Often a single detail decides.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Read typical signs and notices and practice deciding true/false. 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.