Goethe-Zertifikat A2 – Listening (Hören)
The Listening module is part of the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 exam. Here you’ll find the structure, tasks, exercises and a clear strategy for each of the four parts.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- Listening has 4 parts with 20 tasks in total.
- Parts 1 and 3 are multiple choice, Parts 2 and 4 are true/false.
- You hear some texts twice – plan around 30 minutes.
Overview
Listening is one of the four modules of the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 exam. You hear different everyday texts – announcements and messages, a radio show, a conversation and an interview – and solve tasks about them. In total that’s 20 tasks in four parts. You have around 30 minutes for it.
At its core it’s about understanding simple information: who speaks, what happened, when and where? You don’t have to understand every word, just recognize the important information. You hear some texts twice, others only once.
The four parts call for different listening styles: in Part 1 you hear short announcements and choose from three answers, in Part 2 you decide true/false on a radio show, in Part 3 you hear a conversation and choose from three answers, in Part 4 you decide true/false on an interview. Always read the tasks beforehand.
The texts are close to everyday life, and you hear some twice. The biggest hurdle is the speaking pace and the four different parts – very doable with listening practice.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Announcements (MC) | Multiple choice | Understanding announcements | 5 | 5 |
| Part 2 – Radio show (T/F) | True/False | Understanding a radio show | 5 | 5 |
| Part 3 – Conversation (MC) | Multiple choice | Understanding conversations | 5 | 5 |
| Part 4 – Interview (T/F) | True/False | Understanding an interview | 5 | 5 |
Tips & strategy
Before each part you have time to read the tasks. Use it: mark key words so you can listen out for them purposefully.
The correct answer depends on the meaning. The audio often says the same thing in different words from the task.
Parts 1 and 3 are multiple choice, Parts 2 and 4 are true/false. Prepare for the task type in each part.
If a text is played twice, use the second time to check your answers and fill in any gaps.
There is no penalty for wrong answers. When unsure, decide on an answer.
Only the answer sheet is graded. Transfer your answers in good time, ideally after each part.
Common listening situations
In the listening part you’ll meet typical A2 audio texts:
- Announcements & messages
- public announcements, voicemail messages (Part 1).
- Radio shows
- short pieces on a topic (Part 2).
- Conversations
- everyday conversations between two people (Part 3).
- Interviews
- one person is asked about a topic (Part 4).
Common topics
The audio texts revolve around everyday topics. Prepare vocabulary for them:
- Work & appointments
- job, arrangement, time of day
- Shopping & travel
- shop, offers, train, hotel
- Leisure & health
- hobbies, sport, doctor
- Home & family
- flat, family, everyday life
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and do a first listening practice test with the official Modellsatz – without pressure, just to understand the structure.
- Day2Part 1 – announcements
Practice short announcements and messages and choosing from three answers (a/b/c).
- Day3Part 2 – radio show
Practice listening to a short radio show and deciding true/false.
- Day4Part 3 – conversation
Practice listening to a conversation and choosing from three answers.
- Day5Part 4 – interview
Practice listening to an interview and deciding true/false.
- Day6Full listening part under time
Work through all four parts with audio in one go and transfer your answers to an answer sheet.
- Day7Analyze your mistakes
Listen again to the spots where you went wrong: what did you miss? Review your weakest part specifically.
Are you ready?
- I understand short announcements and messages.
- I confidently decide true/false on a radio show.
- I understand an everyday conversation between two people.
- I understand an interview and recognize the person’s stance.
- I recognize paraphrases – the same statement in different words.
- I can manage all 20 tasks at listening pace.
Frequently asked questions
How many parts does Goethe A2 listening have?
Four parts with 20 tasks in total: Part 1 (announcements, multiple choice, 5), Part 2 (radio show, true/false, 5), Part 3 (conversation, multiple choice, 5) and Part 4 (interview, true/false, 5).
How often do I hear the texts?
You hear some texts twice, others only once. On a second listening, check your answers.
How much time do I have for listening?
The Listening module lasts around 30 minutes. In the Goethe-Zertifikat A2, each module is timed separately.
How are the tasks structured?
Parts 1 and 3 are multiple choice (three answers), Parts 2 and 4 are true/false. You mark your answers on the answer sheet.
Where do I find the audio texts (audio/MP3)?
The audio files belong to the official Goethe-Institut Modellsatz. We don’t host any audio – use the official Modellsatz or practice listening with a Prepliq mock exam.
What’s the best way to practice listening?
Listen to short, simple German audio every day and practice the different task types. At Prepliq you practice listening with realistic mock exams and get instant scoring.