Goethe C1 Listening Part 1 – Podcast
In Part 1 you hear a podcast and match six statements to the right segments (e.g. books). You hear it only once. Here’s how to find the right match.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You hear a podcast (e.g. a book review) and match 6 statements to the right segments.
- You hear the text only once. Read the statements beforehand.
What this part tests
Part 1 tests whether you understand and locate individual information in a longer program – usually a podcast in which several topics or works (e.g. books) are presented. You match six statements to the right segment.
It’s about grasping the typical content of each segment and locating the statements correctly. The statements are paraphrased. Importantly, you hear the podcast only once, so you must think along from the start.
The difficulty: the segments are thematically similar, and the statements are not literal. Read all statements beforehand so you listen purposefully. 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
Note which segments (e.g. books) there are.
- 3
Listen to the podcast and match each statement to the fitting segment.
- 4
Watch for paraphrased wording, not identical words.
- 5
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 segment.
Über Buch 2 heißt es: „Der Autor beschreibt, wie sich das Klima vergangener Zeiten erforschen lässt." Über Buch 3: „Es geht um die Bedrohungen, die uns in Zukunft beschäftigen werden."
Which book does “Im Buch wird die Erforschung des Klimas vergangener Epochen behandelt” fit? (a) Buch 2 · (b) Buch 3
Why? About Buch 2 it says the author describes “wie sich das Klima vergangener Zeiten erforschen lässt” – that matches the statement. Buch 3 is about future threats.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) einen Podcast über drei neue Bücher. Über Buch 1 heißt es: „Hier werden vor allem Analysen über Pflanzen und Tiere präsentiert."
Which book does the statement “Es werden Analysen über Flora und Fauna angeführt” fit?
Common mistakes
The statements are paraphrased. Watch for the meaning, not identical words.
The segments are similar. Note the typical content of each segment.
With only one listening you must know in advance what to listen for. Use the reading time.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Match every statement.
Tips
- Read all statements thoroughly before listening – you hear only once.
- Note the typical content of each segment.
- Practice listening to podcasts and reviews.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 1 have?
Six matching tasks on a podcast: you match six statements to the right segments.
Do I hear the podcast twice?
No, only once. Read the statements beforehand and concentrate from the start.
What should I watch for especially?
The paraphrased content of each segment – not identical words.
What’s the best way to practice Part 1?
Listen to podcasts and practice matching statements to segments. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 800+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat C1 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat C1 practice test – with answers and study material.