Goethe B2 Listening (Hören) Part 3 – Discussion
In Part 3 you hear a discussion with several people and match statements to the speakers. You hear it only once. Here’s how to grasp who says what.
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Key takeaways
- You hear a discussion with several people and match 6 statements to the speakers (who says what?).
- You hear it only once. Note each person’s position.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you can follow a discussion with several people and distinguish the positions – for example a radio discussion with a host and two or three guests. You match six statements to the speakers: who says what?
It’s about grasping each person’s stance precisely and keeping them apart. The statements are paraphrased. Importantly, you hear the discussion only once, so you must think along from the start about who holds which position.
The difficulty: several people speak about the same topic, often with similar but not identical opinions. Note each person’s position. Every correct match scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before listening, read all six statements and mark key words.
- 2
At the start, note the names and voices of the people.
- 3
Listen to the discussion and note each person’s position.
- 4
Match each statement to the person who holds it.
- 5
Watch for fine differences between similar opinions.
- 6
Mark right away, because you hear only once.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: match the statement to the right person.
Herr Sahin: „Ich finde, man sollte mehr Geld in Fahrräder investieren als in Straßen." – Frau Weber: „Das sehe ich anders. Ohne gute Straßen funktioniert die Wirtschaft nicht."
Who considers good roads especially important? (a) Herr Sahin · (b) Frau Weber
Why? Frau Weber says “Ohne gute Straßen funktioniert die Wirtschaft nicht”. Herr Sahin, by contrast, wants to invest more in bicycles.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) eine Diskussion über alternatives Wohnen. Herr Roth: „Ich wohne in einer Wohngemeinschaft, weil ich den Austausch mit anderen schätze." Frau Lang: „Mir ist meine Ruhe wichtig, deshalb lebe ich lieber allein."
Who values contact with others most in their living arrangement?
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Common mistakes
With several speakers it’s easy to confuse who says what. Note the voices and positions.
Two people can mean almost the same thing. Watch for fine differences.
With only one listening you can’t get stuck. Think along from the start.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Match every statement.
Tips
- At the start, note who is who (name and voice).
- Summarize each person’s position in one keyword.
- Read the statements thoroughly before listening – you hear only once.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 3 have?
Six matching tasks on a discussion: you match six statements to the speakers (who says what?).
Do I hear the discussion twice?
No, only once. Note from the start who holds which position.
What should I watch for especially?
Who says what, and fine differences between similar opinions.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Listen to discussions and practice matching opinions to people. 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.
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