telc German A2 – Listening (Hören)
Listening (Hören) is the first part of the written telc A2 exam (Start Deutsch 2). Here you’ll find the structure, tasks, exercises and a clear strategy for each of the three parts.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- Listening has 3 parts with 15 tasks in total.
- All tasks are true/false: phone messages, radio information and short conversations.
- You hear most texts twice – plan around 20 minutes.
Overview
Listening is the first part of the written telc A2 exam. You hear simple everyday texts – phone messages, radio information and short conversations – and decide for each statement whether it is true or false. In total that’s 15 tasks in three parts. You have around 20 minutes for it.
At its core it’s about understanding simple information: who is calling? when is the appointment? what does something cost? You don’t have to understand every word, just recognize the important information. You hear most texts twice, so you can check on the second listen.
The three parts have different listening situations: in Part 1 you hear phone messages, in Part 2 information or announcements from the radio, in Part 3 short everyday conversations. In all parts you decide true or false. Always read the statements before the audio starts.
The texts are short and close to everyday life, and you hear most of them twice. The biggest hurdle is the speaking pace – very doable with some listening practice.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Phone messages (T/F) | True/False | Understanding phone messages | 5 | 5 |
| Part 2 – Radio (T/F) | True/False | Understanding radio information | 5 | 5 |
| Part 3 – Short conversations (T/F) | True/False | Understanding conversations | 5 | 5 |
Tips & strategy
Before each part you have time to read the statements. Use it: mark key words so you can listen for them specifically.
The correct answer depends on the meaning, not on a single word. Often the text says the same thing in different words from the statement.
At A2 it’s often about times, prices and appointments. Practice understanding numbers especially.
You hear most texts twice. Mark your answer the first time and check it the second time.
There is no penalty for wrong answers. When unsure, decide – guess true or false.
Only the answer sheet is graded. Transfer your +/– answers in good time, ideally after each part.
Common listening situations
In the listening part you’ll meet typical A2 everyday situations:
- Phone messages
- answering-machine messages, appointments (Part 1).
- Radio information
- announcements, weather, events (Part 2).
- Short conversations
- everyday conversations, e.g. while shopping or at the station (Part 3).
- Numbers & times
- prices, times, appointments, phone numbers.
Common topics
The audio texts revolve around everyday topics. Prepare vocabulary for these areas:
- Work & appointments
- job, arrangement, time
- Shopping & prices
- shop, offers, paying
- Transport & travel
- train, bus, announcements, delays
- Health & leisure
- doctor, appointments, events
- Home & family
- flat, family, everyday life
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and do a first official listening practice test with audio – no pressure, just to understand the structure.
- Day2Part 1 – phone messages
Practice understanding answering-machine messages and deciding true/false. Watch for appointments and numbers.
- Day3Part 2 – radio information
Practice announcements and information from the radio. Read the statements first.
- Day4Part 3 – short conversations
Practice understanding short everyday conversations and deciding true/false.
- Day5Numbers & pace
Practice times, prices and appointments specifically and get used to the A2 speaking pace.
- Day6Full listening part under time
Work through all three parts with audio in one go and transfer your +/– answers to an answer sheet.
- Day7Analyze your mistakes
Listen again to the spots where you went wrong: what did you miss? Review your weakest part specifically.
Are you ready?
- I understand a short phone message and the important information.
- I understand information and announcements from the radio.
- I can decide confidently between true and false for a statement.
- I understand a short everyday conversation.
- I understand numbers, prices and times when listening.
- I can finish all 15 tasks at listening pace.
Frequently asked questions
How many parts does telc A2 listening have?
Three parts with 15 tasks in total, all true/false: Part 1 (phone messages, 5), Part 2 (radio information, 5) and Part 3 (short conversations, 5).
How often do I hear the texts?
You hear most texts twice. That way you can check your answer on the second listen.
How much time do I have for listening?
Listening lasts around 20 minutes. It is a separate part that comes before reading and writing.
How are the listening tasks structured?
All tasks are true/false statements. You mark plus (+) for true and minus (–) for false on the answer sheet.
Where do I find the audio (MP3)?
The audio files belong to the official practice test; telc offers them as MP3. We don’t host any audio – use the official practice test or practice listening with a Prepliq mock.
What’s the best way to practice listening?
Listen to short, simple German audio daily and practice numbers and times especially. At Prepliq you practice listening with realistic mock exams and get instant scoring.
May I take notes during listening?
Yes, you may take notes on the task sheet. But only the answer sheet is graded – transfer your answers in good time.