Goethe A2 Reading Part 3 – Ads
In Part 3 you read situations and ads and find the matching ad for each situation. Here’s how to compare reliably.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You read situations and ads and find the matching ad for each situation.
- Check that the ad really fits the situation – not just one matching word.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you can find the matching information in short ads. You read five situations and several ads and look for the matching ad for each situation. Sometimes no ad fits.
It’s about comparing carefully: does the ad really fit the need of the situation? Watch for details like place, time, price or offer. Even one detail can rule out an ad.
The difficulty: an ad often picks up a word from the situation but doesn’t really fit. So check all the conditions. Every correct match scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the situation and underline the need (e.g. “in the evening”, “cheap”).
- 2
Read the ads and compare them with the need.
- 3
Check that all the conditions really fit – not just one matching word.
- 4
Choose the ad that fits the situation exactly.
- 5
Transfer your answers to the answer sheet in good time.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: which ad fits the situation?
Situation: Sie möchten am Wochenende einen Ausflug mit dem Zug machen. Anzeige a: „Wochenend-Ticket: mit dem Zug günstig durch die Region, samstags und sonntags." Anzeige b: „Mietwagen ab 40 Euro pro Tag, nur unter der Woche."
Which ad fits? (a) Ad a · (b) Ad b
Why? You want to travel by train at the weekend. Ad a is a “Wochenend-Ticket” for the train, “samstags und sonntags”. Ad b is a hire car, only on weekdays – it doesn’t fit.
Practice: test yourself
Situation: Sie suchen einen Deutschkurs am Abend. Anzeige a: „Sprachschule – Deutsch am Vormittag, montags bis freitags." Anzeige b: „Abendkurs Deutsch – dienstags und donnerstags von 18 bis 20 Uhr."
Which ad fits?
Common mistakes
A shared word doesn’t make the ad right. Check all the conditions.
Place, time or price can rule out an ad. Read carefully.
Read the situation first, then the ads – that way you compare purposefully.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess if you have to.
Tips
- Underline the exact need in each situation before you read the ads.
- Watch for time, place and price – that’s often where the choice is decided.
- Read the ads fully before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 3 have?
Five. For each of five situations you look for the matching ad.
How do I tell two ads apart?
Check the details: place, time, price or offer. Often a single criterion decides whether an ad fits.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – decide on every task.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Read ads and practice comparing them with a situation. With a Prepliq mock you get the correct choice explained after each task.
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.