Goethe B1 Listening Part 2 – Report
In Part 2 you hear a report and answer multiple-choice questions. You hear the text only once. Here’s how to find the right option.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You hear a report or talk and answer 5 multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c).
- You hear the text only once – concentrate from the start.
What this part tests
Part 2 tests whether you can follow a longer, connected audio text – usually a report or a talk with one person. You answer five tasks with three options each (a, b or c).
The tasks follow the order of the text. At B1 the correct answer is often paraphrased, not literal. Importantly, you hear the text only once, so you must follow it closely from the start.
Wrong options often pick up a word from the text but miss the meaning. Rely on the overall meaning. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before listening, read all five tasks and mark key words.
- 2
Listen to the report and follow the tasks in order.
- 3
Choose the option that restates the text in different words.
- 4
Don’t get stuck on one task – the next comes quickly.
- 5
Mark your answer right away, because you hear only once.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: you hear an extract and choose the right option.
„Das Museum bietet jetzt jeden ersten Sonntag im Monat freien Eintritt an. Damit wollen die Betreiber mehr junge Besucher gewinnen, die sonst selten ins Museum kommen."
Why is there free admission?
- aWeil das Museum zu wenig Geld hat.
- Weil mehr junge Leute kommen sollen.
- cWeil sonntags geschlossen ist.
Why? The text says they want to “mehr junge Besucher gewinnen” (win more young visitors) – that’s b in different words. (a) and (c) are not in the text.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) eine Reportage: „In unserem Stadtgarten arbeiten über 50 Freiwillige. Sie pflanzen Gemüse, das alle ernten dürfen. Besonders beliebt ist der Garten bei Familien, weil Kinder hier lernen, wie Pflanzen wachsen."
Why is the garden popular with families?
Common mistakes
Whoever thinks too long misses the next information. Keep listening and mark quickly.
A word from the text doesn’t make the option right. Watch for the meaning.
With only one listening you must know in advance what to listen for. Use the reading time.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an option if you have to.
Tips
- Read the tasks thoroughly before listening – you hear only once.
- Follow the tasks in the order of the text.
- Practice listening to reports and talks.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 2 have?
Five multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c) on a report or a talk.
Do I hear the report twice?
No, only once. So read the tasks beforehand and concentrate from the start.
Does the correct answer appear word for word in the text?
Often not. It’s usually paraphrased. Watch for the meaning, not the same word.
What’s the best way to practice Part 2?
Listen to reports and talks and practice following with only one listening. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer explained after each task.
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.