Goethe C1 Listening Part 3 – Discussion
In Part 3 you hear a discussion with several people in four sections and solve two multiple-choice tasks per section. Here’s how to grasp the positions reliably.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You hear a discussion with several people in 4 sections and solve 2 multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c) each.
- You hear each section only once. Read the two tasks beforehand.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you can follow a discussion with several people – for example a conversation about a social topic. The discussion comes in four sections; each section has two tasks with three options each (a, b or c). That makes eight tasks.
It’s about grasping the statements and positions of the people precisely. Before each section you have time to read the two tasks. Importantly, you hear each section only once.
Wrong options reproduce a statement wrongly or confuse the people. Watch who says what. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before each section, read the two related tasks.
- 2
Listen to the section and watch the statements of the people.
- 3
For each task, choose the option that reflects the statement precisely.
- 4
Don’t confuse the people – note who says what.
- 5
Mark right away, because you hear each section only once.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: you hear an extract and choose the right option.
Eine Diskussionsteilnehmerin sagt: „Der Bau eines Eigenheims belastet die Umwelt enorm – durch den Flächenverbrauch und die Materialien."
How does the participant assess building a private home?
- Er hat negative Folgen für die Umwelt.
- bEr ist für Familien unerschwinglich.
- cEr sollte stärker gefördert werden.
Why? The participant says building “belastet die Umwelt enorm” – that’s a. (b) and (c) are not mentioned here.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) eine Diskussion über das Wohnen der Zukunft. Eine Soziologin sagt: „Ich plädiere für Wohnmodelle, die sowohl Gemeinschaftsräume als auch genug Privatsphäre bieten."
What does the sociologist advocate?
Common mistakes
With several speakers it’s easy to confuse who says what. Note the positions.
Each section has two tasks. Read both beforehand.
A picked-up word doesn’t make the option right. Watch for the meaning.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an option if you have to.
Tips
- Read both tasks thoroughly before each section.
- Note each person’s position.
- Practice listening to discussions section by section.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 3 have?
Eight multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c): the discussion comes in four sections with two tasks each.
Do I hear the discussion twice?
No. You hear each of the four sections only once. Read the relevant two tasks beforehand.
What should I watch for especially?
Who says what, and the exact statement of each person.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Listen to discussions section by section and practice grasping positions. 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.