Goethe C1 Listening Part 4 – Lecture
In Part 4 you hear a 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 lecture on a factual topic and answer 7 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 longer, connected lecture on a factual or specialist topic – one person speaks without interruption. You answer seven tasks with three options each (a, b or c).
The tasks follow the order of the lecture. At C1 you must grasp main points, reasons, figures and conclusions, and the answer is paraphrased. You hear the lecture twice.
Wrong options often pick up a keyword but miss the point, or confuse figures and details. Watch the context. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before listening, read all seven tasks and mark key words.
- 2
Listen to the lecture and follow the tasks in order.
- 3
Watch for main points, reasons, figures and conclusions.
- 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.
„Die Beschäftigungsquote bei Frauen ist in den letzten zehn Jahren deutlich gestiegen, bei Männern blieb sie dagegen weitgehend konstant."
How has the employment rate developed?
- Bei Frauen ist sie deutlich gestiegen.
- bBei Männern ist sie stark gefallen.
- cSie ist bei beiden gleich geblieben.
Why? The lecture says the rate “bei Frauen deutlich gestiegen”, and stayed “weitgehend konstant” for men – that’s a. (b) and (c) reproduce it wrongly.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) einen Vortrag über Maßnahmen der EU: „Ein wichtiges Ziel der EU ist es, ihre Bürgerinnen und Bürger beruflich zu fördern – etwa durch Programme für Weiterbildung und Beschäftigung."
What, according to the lecture, is an important goal of the EU?
Common mistakes
A picked-up keyword doesn’t make the option right. Grasp the actual point.
Lectures often contain figures and statistics. Listen carefully for the right number.
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, reasons and exact figures.
- Use the second listening to complete and check.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 4 have?
Seven multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c) on a 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 exact figures – and structuring signals that show the structure.
What’s the best way to practice Part 4?
Listen to lectures and practice grasping the main points and figures. 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.