Goethe B1 Reading Part 3 – Ads
In Part 3 you match seven people to the right ad. Here’s how to compare reliably and avoid the traps.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You read 7 situations and several ads and find the matching ad for each person.
- Check that the ad really fits the person – not just one matching word.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you can find the matching information in short ads. You read seven situations and several ads and look for the matching ad for each person. For some people no ad fits.
It’s about comparing carefully: does the ad really meet the person’s wish? Watch for details like place, time, price, condition 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 wish (e.g. “in the evening”, “cheap”).
- 2
Read the ads and compare them with the wish.
- 3
Check that all the conditions really fit – not just one word.
- 4
Choose the ad that fits the situation exactly.
- 5
If no ad fits, mark the corresponding answer.
- 6
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: Eine Person möchte am Wochenende mit der Familie einen Ausflug mit dem Zug machen. Anzeige a: „Wochenend-Ticket: günstig mit dem Zug durch die Region, samstags und sonntags, ideal für Familien." Anzeige b: „Mietwagen ab 40 Euro pro Tag, nur unter der Woche."
Which ad fits? (a) Ad a · (b) Ad b
Why? The person wants to travel by train at the weekend. Ad a is a “Wochenend-Ticket” for the train, “samstags und sonntags, ideal für Familien”. Ad b is a hire car, only on weekdays – it doesn’t fit.
Practice: test yourself
Situation: Eine Person sucht einen Deutschkurs am Abend, weil sie tagsüber arbeitet. Anzeige a: „Sprachschule – Deutsch intensiv, montags bis freitags am Vormittag." Anzeige b: „Abendkurs Deutsch – dienstags und donnerstags von 18 bis 20 Uhr, auch für Berufstätige."
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. Decide even if you have to guess.
Tips
- Underline the exact wish 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?
Seven. For each of seven people you look for the matching ad. For some no ad fits.
How do I tell two ads apart?
Check the details: place, time, price or condition. Often a single criterion decides whether an ad fits.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – decide for every person.
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 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.