Goethe C2 Listening Part 1 – Radio Excerpts
In Part 1 you hear five excerpts from radio programs and decide for each statement whether it matches the text content. You hear only once. Here’s how to find the right solution.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You hear five excerpts from radio programs, with 3 tasks each – decide yes or no.
- You hear the texts only once. Read the statements beforehand.
What this part tests
Part 1 tests whether you understand short, demanding radio excerpts on various topics. You hear five excerpts; each has three tasks. For each you decide whether the statement matches the text content (yes) or not (no).
It’s about precise detail and global comprehension under time pressure: does the statement really match what you heard? The statements are paraphrased. You hear each excerpt only once, so you must follow it closely from the start.
A non-matching statement often differs in just one detail or reverses the information. Watch for negations, qualifications and exact figures. Every correct decision scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before each excerpt, read the three related statements.
- 2
Mark key words so you can listen out for them purposefully.
- 3
Listen to the excerpt closely – you hear only once.
- 4
Compare each statement carefully with what you heard: does it really match?
- 5
Watch for negations and qualifications.
- 6
Transfer your answers to the answer sheet in good time.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: you hear an excerpt and decide whether the statement matches.
Aus einem Bericht über Studentenwohnheime: „Wegen fehlender öffentlicher Mittel werden derzeit kaum neue Wohnheime gebaut. Viele Studierende müssen deshalb auf den teuren freien Markt ausweichen."
Statement: “The building of student halls is declining due to a lack of public funds.” (yes/no)
Why? The excerpt says that “wegen fehlender öffentlicher Mittel” (due to a lack of public funds) “kaum neue Wohnheime gebaut” are being built. The statement matches the text content – yes.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) einen Ausschnitt über Altkleider: „Die Firma SOEX nimmt alte Kleidung an, zahlt dafür aber nichts. Der Großteil wird weiterverarbeitet, nur ein kleiner Teil geht an Secondhandläden."
Does the statement match the text content? Statement: “The company SOEX pays something for handing in old clothes.”
Common mistakes
“nichts”, “nicht”, “kaum” reverse the statement. Listen out for them specifically.
Even a differing detail makes a statement false. Listen closely.
With only one listening you must know in advance what to listen for. Use the reading time.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Decide even if you have to guess.
Tips
- Read the three statements per excerpt thoroughly beforehand – you hear only once.
- Watch for negations, qualifications and exact figures.
- Don’t get stuck on one statement.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 1 have?
Fifteen yes/no tasks: you hear five radio excerpts with three tasks each.
Do I hear the excerpts twice?
No, only once. Read the statements beforehand and concentrate from the start.
What should I watch for especially?
Negations, qualifications and exact figures – and whether the statement really matches what you heard.
What’s the best way to practice Part 1?
Listen to short radio excerpts and practice checking statements on the first listening. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 600+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat C2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat C2 practice test – with answers and study material.