Goethe B1 Listening Part 1 – Announcements
In Part 1 you hear five short texts and solve ten tasks – partly true/false, partly with three answers. Here’s how to find the right solution.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You hear 5 short texts and solve 10 tasks: partly true/false, partly multiple choice.
- 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, weather reports or voicemail messages. You hear five short texts and solve ten tasks: usually one true/false and one multiple-choice task per text.
It’s about concrete information: what happened, when, why, what should you do? You don’t have to understand every word. You hear each text twice.
Watch especially for times, places, reasons and corrections. Read the tasks before listening so you listen purposefully. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before each text, read the related tasks.
- 2
Think about what to listen for: a time, a reason, an action?
- 3
Listen to the text and focus on that information.
- 4
Answer both tasks for the text (true/false and multiple choice).
- 5
Check your answers 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 decide whether the statement is true.
„Guten Tag, hier ist die Praxis Dr. Berg. Ihr Termin am Mittwoch muss leider verschoben werden. Wir bieten Ihnen stattdessen Freitag um 9 Uhr an. Bitte rufen Sie zurück."
Statement: “The new appointment is on Friday.”
Why? In the announcement the Wednesday appointment is postponed and “Freitag um 9 Uhr” (Friday at 9) is offered instead. The statement is correct – true.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) eine Ansage: „Liebe Fahrgäste, der Zug nach Hamburg hat heute etwa 15 Minuten Verspätung. Grund ist eine Bauarbeit auf der Strecke. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis."
Is the statement true or false? Statement: “The train to Hamburg is canceled today.”
Common mistakes
“statt”, “nicht … sondern” change the information. Listen closely for the correction.
Watch the difference: delay, cancellation, change – they are not the same.
Without knowing the tasks 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, reasons and corrections.
- Read both tasks per text before listening.
- Use the second listening to check.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 1 have?
Ten tasks on five short texts – usually one true/false and one multiple-choice task per text.
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, places and reasons. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 600+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat B1 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat B1 practice test – with answers and study material.