Goethe-Zertifikat B1 – Listening (Hören)
The Listening module is part of the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 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 30 tasks in total.
- You hear announcements (Part 1), a report (Part 2), a conversation (Part 3) and a radio discussion (Part 4).
- You hear some texts twice – plan around 40 minutes.
Overview
Listening is one of the four modules of the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 exam. You hear different everyday texts – short announcements, a report, a private conversation and a radio discussion – and solve tasks about them. In total that’s 30 tasks in four parts. You have around 40 minutes for it.
At its core it’s about understanding information, main points and opinions. You don’t have to understand every word, just recognize what it’s about and what is meant. You hear some texts twice, others only once.
The four parts call for different listening styles: in Part 1 you hear five short texts (true/false and multiple choice), in Part 2 a report (multiple choice), in Part 3 a conversation (true/false), in Part 4 a radio discussion (multiple choice). Always read the tasks beforehand.
The texts are longer and more naturally spoken than at A2, and some you hear only once. The biggest hurdle is the pace and the change of task types – very doable with listening practice.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Announcements | True/False + Multiple choice | Understanding announcements | 10 | 10 |
| Part 2 – Report (MC) | Multiple choice | Understanding a report | 5 | 5 |
| Part 3 – Conversation (T/F) | True/False | Understanding conversations | 7 | 7 |
| Part 4 – Discussion (MC) | Multiple choice | Understanding a discussion | 8 | 8 |
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 partly true/false, Parts 2 and 4 multiple choice. Prepare for the task type in each part.
You hear Parts 2 and 3 only once. Concentrate from the start and mark your answer right away.
You hear Parts 1 and 4 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.
Common listening situations
In the listening part you’ll meet typical B1 audio texts:
- Announcements & messages
- public announcements, weather, voicemail messages (Part 1).
- Report & talk
- one person reports on a topic (Part 2).
- Private conversation
- two people talk to each other (Part 3).
- Radio discussion
- host and guests discuss a topic (Part 4).
Common topics
The audio texts revolve around everyday and social topics. Prepare vocabulary for them:
- Work & everyday life
- job, appointments, transport
- Leisure & travel
- hobbies, holiday, events
- Media & technology
- internet, phone, apps
- Society & environment
- living, sustainability, community
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: true/false and choosing from three answers.
- Day3Part 2 – report
Practice listening to a report and solving multiple choice – you hear it only once.
- Day4Part 3 – conversation
Practice listening to a private conversation and deciding true/false – only once.
- Day5Part 4 – radio discussion
Practice listening to a discussion with several people and solving multiple choice.
- 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 follow a report and solve multiple choice on it.
- I understand a private conversation and decide true/false.
- I follow a discussion with several people.
- I recognize paraphrases – the same statement in different words.
- I can manage all 30 tasks at listening pace, even when I only hear once.
Frequently asked questions
How many parts does Goethe B1 listening have?
Four parts with 30 tasks in total: Part 1 (announcements, 10), Part 2 (report, multiple choice, 5), Part 3 (conversation, true/false, 7) and Part 4 (radio discussion, multiple choice, 8).
How often do I hear the texts?
You hear Parts 1 and 4 twice, Parts 2 and 3 only once. Concentrate from the start on the parts played only once.
How much time do I have for listening?
The Listening module lasts around 40 minutes. In the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 each module is timed separately.
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.
How many points do I need to pass?
Each module is scored out of 100 points. To pass the Listening module you need at least 60 of 100 points (60 %).
What’s the best way to practice listening?
Listen to German audio every day and practice the different task types. At Prepliq you practice listening with realistic mock exams and get instant scoring.