Goethe C2 Listening Part 3 – Interview
In Part 3 you hear a detailed expert interview and answer multiple-choice questions. You hear it twice. Here’s how to grasp the exact statements.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You hear a detailed interview with an expert and answer 10 multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c).
- You hear it twice. Watch the expert’s exact statements.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you can follow a long, demanding specialist interview – an expert is interviewed at length on a topic, for example in science. You answer ten tasks with three options each (a, b or c).
The tasks follow the order of the interview. At C2 you must grasp exact definitions, connections, reasons and fine distinctions, and the answer is paraphrased. You hear the interview twice.
Wrong options are often very close to the right one but reproduce a definition or connection slightly wrongly. Watch the exact wording. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before listening, read all ten tasks and mark key words.
- 2
Listen to the interview and follow the tasks in order.
- 3
Watch for exact definitions, connections and reasons from the expert.
- 4
Choose the option that reflects the statement exactly – not just approximately.
- 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.
Klimaforscher: „Ob eine Stadt sich erwärmt, hängt nicht allein von ihrer Größe ab. Auch die Bebauung, die Begrünung und die Lage spielen eine wichtige Rolle."
What do we learn about the link between city size and warming?
- aÜberall führt das Wachstum der Städte zu entsprechender Erwärmung.
- bDie Erwärmung steigt proportional zur Bevölkerung.
- Neben der Stadtgröße spielen auch andere Faktoren eine Rolle.
Why? The researcher says warming depends “nicht allein von ihrer Größe ab”, with other factors also playing a role – that’s c. a and b generalize wrongly.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) ein Interview mit einem Klimaforscher: „Den sogenannten Wärmeinsel-Effekt erkennt man daran, dass bestimmte Orte in der Stadt besonders viel Sonnenenergie aufnehmen und speichern."
What is called the urban heat island effect?
Common mistakes
Several options sound similar. Choose the one that hits the statement exactly.
An option often reverses cause and effect. Watch the exact relationship.
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 exact definitions and reasons.
- With close options, check which one hits the statement exactly.
- Use the second listening to complete and check.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 3 have?
Ten multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c) on a detailed expert interview.
Do I hear the interview twice?
Yes. Use the second listening to check and complete your answers.
What should I watch for especially?
Exact definitions, connections and fine differences – and which option hits the statement exactly.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Listen to detailed expert interviews and practice grasping exact statements. 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.