Goethe B2 Listening Part 1 – Everyday Situations
In Part 1 you hear five short texts and solve ten tasks – partly true/false, partly with three answers. You hear only once. 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 only once. Concentrate from the start.
What this part tests
Part 1 tests whether you understand short everyday situations – for example voicemail messages, short conversations or announcements. 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 and sometimes the speaker’s intention or mood. You hear each text only once, so you must follow it closely from the start.
Watch especially for corrections, qualifications and the actual point of a statement. Read the tasks before listening. 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: information, intention, mood?
- 3
Listen to the text closely – you hear only once.
- 4
Answer both tasks for the text (true/false and multiple choice).
- 5
Don’t get stuck – the next task comes quickly.
- 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 situation and decide whether the statement is true.
„Eigentlich wollte ich heute joggen, aber bei dem Regen bleibe ich lieber zu Hause und gehe morgen früh laufen."
Statement: “The person goes jogging today.”
Why? The person says “aber bei dem Regen bleibe ich lieber zu Hause” and goes running “morgen früh” (tomorrow morning). Today they don’t jog – so false.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) eine Nachricht auf der Mailbox: „Hallo, hier ist die Werkstatt. Ihr Auto ist fertig, aber die Reparatur war teurer als gedacht. Bitte rufen Sie zurück, bevor Sie es abholen."
Is the statement true or false? Statement: “The car is not ready yet.”
Common mistakes
Whoever thinks too long misses the next information. Keep listening and mark quickly.
“eigentlich”, “aber”, “statt” change the statement. Listen out for them specifically.
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 answer if you have to.
Tips
- Read both tasks per text thoroughly before listening – you hear only once.
- Watch for corrections, qualifications and the actual point.
- Don’t get stuck on one task.
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?
No, only once. So read the tasks beforehand and concentrate from the start.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – answer every task.
What’s the best way to practice Part 1?
Listen to short everyday texts and practice deciding on the first listening. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 700+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat B2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat B2 practice test – with answers and study material.