Goethe A2 Listening Part 1 – Announcements
In Part 1 you hear five short announcements or messages. For each you choose from three answers. Here’s how to find the right one.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- 5 short announcements or messages – choose from three answers (a/b/c) per task.
- You hear the texts twice. Listen for the important information.
What this part tests
Part 1 tests whether you understand short announcements and messages – for example public announcements or voicemail messages. For each you solve one task with three answers (a, b or c).
It’s about a simple piece of information: when is the appointment? what should you do? where do you meet? You don’t have to understand every word. You hear each text twice.
Watch especially for times, places and corrections (“nicht …, sondern …”). Read the task before you listen so you listen purposefully. 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, an action?
- 3
Listen to the text and focus on that information.
- 4
Watch for corrections like “statt”, “nicht … sondern”.
- 5
Mark your answer and check it on the second listening.
- 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 announcement and choose the right answer.
„Liebe Kundinnen und Kunden, unser Supermarkt schließt heute schon um 18 Uhr. Morgen sind wir wie immer bis 20 Uhr für Sie da."
When does the supermarket close today? (a) at 6 pm · (b) at 8 pm · (c) at 4 pm
Why? In the announcement the supermarket closes “heute schon um 18 Uhr” (today already at 6 pm). The right answer is a. “20 Uhr” applies tomorrow.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß): „Guten Tag, hier ist die Praxis Dr. Lang. Ihr Termin morgen um 10 Uhr fällt leider aus. Wir bieten Ihnen stattdessen Donnerstag um 15 Uhr an."
When is the new appointment?
Common mistakes
“statt”, “nicht … sondern” change the information. Listen closely for the correction.
Times and days can sound similar. Listen to the whole detail.
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
- Watch especially for times, places and corrections.
- Read the three answers before you listen.
- Use the second listening to check.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 1 have?
Five. You hear five short announcements and choose from three answers (a/b/c) for each.
Do I hear the Part 1 texts twice?
Yes. The texts in Part 1 are played twice – use the second listening to check.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – answer every task.
What’s the best way to practice Part 1?
Listen to short announcements and practice times and places. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 500+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat A2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat A2 practice test – with answers and study material.