Goethe C2 Reading (Lesen) Part 1 – Commentary
In Part 1 you read a demanding commentary and answer multiple-choice questions. Here’s how to grasp the fine statements.
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Key takeaways
- You read a demanding commentary and answer 10 multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c/d).
- The answer is rarely literal – grasp stance, irony and fine nuances.
What this part tests
Part 1 tests whether you understand a long, stylistically demanding commentary or essay precisely. You answer ten tasks with four options each (a, b, c or d). Only one is correct.
The tasks follow the order of the text. At C2 the correct answer is almost never literal. You must grasp stance, irony, allusions and fine judgements – that is, read between the lines.
Wrong options are often very close to the right one but don’t quite hit the nuance. Read carefully and check each option against the sense of the text. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the commentary once in full and grasp the author’s stance.
- 2
Read each question and look for the matching spot in the text.
- 3
Grasp what the text really means – also ironically or implicitly.
- 4
Compare the four options carefully and choose the most precise nuance.
- 5
Back up your answer with the sense of the text spot.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: read the extract and choose the right option.
Es ist schon bemerkenswert, dass wir Lehrer, die wir ständig andere beurteilen, mit Kritik an uns selbst so wenig souverän umgehen.
What does the author criticize about her own profession?
- aDass Lehrer zu selten andere beurteilen.
- Dass Lehrer Kritik an sich selbst schlecht ertragen.
- cDass Lehrer zu viel gelobt werden.
- dDass Lehrer keine Kritik äußern dürfen.
Why? The author finds it remarkable that teachers “mit Kritik an uns selbst so wenig souverän umgehen” (handle criticism of themselves so poorly) – that’s b. a, c and d miss the point.
Practice: test yourself
Aus einem Kommentar (sinngemäß): „Wenn ich sage „Ich bin Lehrerin", klingt das in meinen Ohren manchmal wie ein Geständnis – fast so, als müsste ich mich für etwas entschuldigen."
What does the author feel when she states her profession?
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Common mistakes
At C2 the answer is almost never literal. Grasp the implicit statement.
An ironic spot often means the opposite. Watch the tone.
Several options are similar. Choose the exact nuance, not the approximate one.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an option if you have to.
Tips
- First grasp the overall stance of the commentary.
- Watch for irony, allusions and evaluative words.
- Practice reading demanding commentaries and essays.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 1 have?
Ten multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c/d) on a demanding commentary.
Does the correct answer appear word for word in the text?
Almost never. At C2 you must grasp stance, irony and fine nuances – that is, read between the lines.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – answer every task.
What’s the best way to practice Part 1?
Read demanding commentaries and practice grasping stance and nuances. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer explained after each task.
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.
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