Goethe B2 Listening Part 4 – Lecture
In Part 4 you hear a short lecture and answer multiple-choice questions. You hear it twice. Here’s how to grasp the main points.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You hear a short lecture and answer 8 multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c).
- You hear it twice. Watch the main points and their order.
What this part tests
Part 4 tests whether you can follow a connected lecture or presentation – one person speaks on a factual or specialist topic. You answer eight tasks with three options each (a, b or c).
The tasks follow the order of the lecture. At B2 you must grasp main points, reasons and examples, and the answer is paraphrased. You hear the lecture twice.
Wrong options often pick up a keyword but miss the point, or mix up different statements. Watch the context. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before listening, read all eight tasks and mark key words.
- 2
Listen to the lecture and follow the tasks in order.
- 3
Watch for main points, reasons and examples.
- 4
Choose the option that reflects the point precisely.
- 5
Check and complete your answers on the second listening.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: you hear an extract and choose the right option.
„Wer besser schlafen will, sollte abends auf das Handy verzichten. Das blaue Licht hält das Gehirn wach und macht das Einschlafen schwerer."
Why should you avoid the phone in the evening?
- Weil das blaue Licht das Einschlafen erschwert.
- bWeil Handys nachts nicht funktionieren.
- cWeil man dann mehr liest.
Why? The lecture says the blue light “hält das Gehirn wach und macht das Einschlafen schwerer” – that’s a. (b) and (c) are not mentioned.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) einen Vortrag über Arbeitstechniken: „Ein wichtiger Tipp ist, große Aufgaben in kleine Schritte zu teilen. So wirkt die Arbeit weniger überwältigend, und man kommt schneller ins Tun."
Why does the lecture recommend dividing tasks into small steps?
Common mistakes
A picked-up keyword doesn’t make the option right. Grasp the actual point.
A lecture names several points. Match each task to the right spot.
Without knowing the tasks you listen aimlessly. Use the reading time.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an option if you have to.
Tips
- Watch for structuring signals like “erstens”, “außerdem”, “zum Schluss”.
- Grasp main points and reasons, not just keywords.
- Use the second listening to complete and check.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 4 have?
Eight multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c) on a short lecture.
Do I hear the lecture twice?
Yes. Use the second listening to check and complete your answers.
What should I watch for especially?
Main points, reasons and examples – and structuring signals that show the structure.
What’s the best way to practice Part 4?
Listen to lectures and presentations and practice grasping the main points. 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.