Goethe B2 Reading Part 1 – Forum Posts
In Part 1 you read four forum posts on a topic and match nine statements to the people. Here’s how to grasp the stances reliably.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You read four forum posts on a topic and match 9 statements to the people (who …?).
- One person can match several statements. Watch the exact stance.
What this part tests
Part 1 tests whether you grasp and distinguish the stances of several people on a topic. You read four forum posts (people A–D) and match nine statements: which statement fits which person? One person can match several statements.
It’s about detail and opinion comprehension: each person has their own view with fine differences. The statements are paraphrased, not literal. You have to recognize the exact position, not just a shared word.
The difficulty: several people speak about the same topic but with different stances. Watch for judgements and qualifications. Every correct match scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
First read the four forum posts for an overview and grasp each person’s main position.
- 2
Read the first statement and consider which position it fits.
- 3
In the matching post, find the spot that confirms the statement.
- 4
Watch for fine differences between similar positions.
- 5
Remember: one person can match several statements.
- 6
Transfer your answers to the answer sheet in good time.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: match the statement to the right person.
Thema „Homeoffice". Person A: „Ich arbeite viel produktiver zu Hause, weil mich niemand stört." Person B: „Mir fehlt im Homeoffice der Kontakt zu den Kollegen, deshalb gehe ich lieber ins Büro."
Who misses contact with others when working from home? (a) Person A · (b) Person B
Why? Person B says “Mir fehlt … der Kontakt zu den Kollegen” – that’s the missed contact. Person A emphasizes higher productivity instead.
Practice: test yourself
Vier Personen schreiben in einem Forum über das Thema „Weniger besitzen – minimalistisch leben". Person A (sinngemäß): „Seit ich ausgemistet habe, fühle ich mich freier. Weniger Dinge bedeuten für mich weniger Stress." Person B (sinngemäß): „Ich finde Minimalismus übertrieben. Ein paar schöne Dinge machen das Leben doch erst gemütlich."
Who experiences owning less as a relief?
Common mistakes
A shared word doesn’t make the match right. Grasp the whole stance.
Two people can mean almost the same thing. Watch for fine differences.
A person can match several statements. Don’t rule that out.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Decide even if you have to guess.
Tips
- Summarize each person’s main position in one keyword.
- Watch for judgements and qualifications (“aber”, “eigentlich”, “dagegen”).
- Practice reading forum posts and comments on a topic.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 1 have?
Nine. You match nine statements to four forum posts (people A–D).
Can one person match several statements?
Yes. In Part 1 a person can be the right answer more than once. Don’t rule that out.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – match every statement.
What’s the best way to practice Part 1?
Read forum posts on a topic and practice grasping the exact stance. 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.