Goethe C1 Reading Part 3 – Sentence Reconstruction
In Part 3 you insert sentences into the gaps of a commentary. Here’s how to recognize which sentence belongs where.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You read a commentary with 8 gaps and insert matching sentences from a list.
- Two sentences don’t fit. Watch reference words and connectors.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you recognize the logic and structure of a demanding text. You read a commentary or feature from the press from which eight sentences were removed, and insert the matching sentence into each gap from a list. Two sentences don’t fit.
It’s about the logical and linguistic connection: what comes before the gap, what after? Reference words (“dieser”, “solche”, “damit”) and connectors (“dennoch”, “als Folge”, “trotz”) show which sentence fits.
The difficulty: several sentences fit thematically, but only one fits logically, and two sentences don’t fit at all. Read before and after the gap. Every correct insertion scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the whole text once for an overview and the line of thought.
- 2
At each gap, read the sentence before and after carefully.
- 3
Watch for reference words and connectors that demand a particular connection.
- 4
Choose the sentence that fits logically and linguistically.
- 5
Fill the certain gaps first, then the difficult ones.
- 6
Check at the end that the whole text flows together.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: which sentence fits the gap?
Viele Eltern wollen ihre Kinder vor jedem Misserfolg bewahren. ___ So lernen die Kinder nicht, mit Rückschlägen umzugehen.
Which sentence fits? (a) „Doch genau dieser Schutz kann sich nachteilig auswirken." · (b) „Im Sommer sind die Tage länger."
Why? Sentence a picks up the “Schutz” (reference word “dieser”) and introduces the consequence that the next sentence explains with “So lernen die Kinder nicht …”. Sentence b doesn’t fit thematically.
Practice: test yourself
In einem Kommentar fehlt ein Satz: „Immer weniger Menschen wollen eine Führungsposition übernehmen. ___ Konkret heißt das: Der Chefsessel verliert an Reiz."
Which sentence fits the gap?
Common mistakes
Several sentences fit thematically. What matters is the logical and linguistic connection.
“dieser”, “solche”, “damit” show what the sentence refers to. Follow the reference.
Two sentences fit no gap. Don’t let them mislead you.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Insert a guessed sentence if you have to.
Tips
- Always read before and after the gap, not just the gap itself.
- Watch for reference words and connectors as clues.
- Fill the certain gaps first; that narrows the choice.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 3 have?
Eight. You insert eight sentences into the gaps; two sentences from the list don’t fit.
How do I recognize the right sentence?
By the logical and linguistic connection: reference words and connectors show which sentence fits before and after the gap.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – insert a sentence into every gap.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Practice recognizing text logic, references and connectors. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer explained after each task.
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.