telc B1 Reading Part 1 – Matching Headings
In Part 1 you match the right heading to five short texts. Here’s how the part is built – and how to avoid the typical traps.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- 5 texts, 10 headings – match each text to its main idea.
- Two headings are left over. Read the text first, then the headings.
What this part tests
Part 1 tests gist reading: you have to quickly grasp what a short text is essentially about. You read five short items – for example from a newspaper, magazine or website – and choose the matching heading for each text from ten options in total.
Two of the ten headings fit no text, and each heading may be used only once. It’s not about details or single words, but about the main idea of the whole text. If you skim fluently and can sum up the core in one sentence, you’ll handle this part confidently.
The biggest danger is distractors: headings that pick up a word from the text but don’t fit its meaning. Don’t be fooled – always check the overall statement. Every correct match scores points; wrong answers are not penalized, so don’t leave any box blank.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the text first – not the headings yet. That way you form your own view of the topic before the options distract you.
- 2
Sum up each text in one keyword, e.g. “home office” or “electric cars”.
- 3
Now look for the heading that fits your keyword. Focus on the main idea, not on single words.
- 4
Cross out each heading you’ve assigned so the pool gets smaller.
- 5
Do the sure matches first and leave the difficult ones for the end.
- 6
At the end, enter an answer for every text – even when guessing, because wrong answers carry no penalty.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: match each text to the right heading.
Immer mehr Menschen in Deutschland arbeiten von zu Hause. Laut einer neuen Umfrage möchte fast die Hälfte aller Angestellten mindestens zwei Tage pro Woche im Homeoffice bleiben.
Die Stadt Freiburg hat in diesem Sommer 30 neue Ladestationen für Elektroautos eröffnet. Bis zum nächsten Jahr soll sich ihre Zahl noch verdoppeln.
Headings: (a) Homeoffice wird für viele zur Normalität · (b) Neue Regeln für Autofahrer · (c) Freiburg baut das Netz für Elektroautos aus · (d) Weniger Menschen pendeln mit dem Zug
Why? Text 1 says that working from home is becoming normal (a). Text 2 reports the expansion of charging stations (c). Options (b) and (d) contain “car/transport” words but miss the main idea – those are the distractors.
Practice: test yourself
In vielen deutschen Städten gibt es jetzt Leihräder, die man per App ausleihen kann. Besonders junge Menschen nutzen das Angebot, um kurze Strecken schnell und günstig zurückzulegen.
Which heading fits best?
Common mistakes
If “Bahn” appears in the text and in a heading, that’s not yet the answer. Always check the overall statement.
Part 1 rewards quick skimming, not understanding every word. Reading word by word costs time.
Each heading fits only one text. Cross out headings you’ve used.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Enter an answer even if you have to guess.
Tips
- The two “extra” headings are often distractors with words from the texts – don’t be fooled.
- Part 1 is quick to solve – work briskly and save the time for Parts 2 and 3.
- Practice with short news texts and put the main idea into one sentence each time.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 1 have?
Five. You match each of five texts to one heading out of ten options; two headings are left over.
Should I invest a lot of time in Part 1?
No. Part 1 is the quickest part. Work briskly and save time for Parts 2 and 3, which need more attention. The best way to build your sense of timing is a full Prepliq mock exam.
Are wrong answers penalized in Part 1?
No. There is no penalty for guessing – so answer every task.
What if two headings seem to fit?
Choose the one that captures the main idea of the whole text. Often a heading only fits a detail – the correct one sums up the core of the text.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 600+ of the most important telc German B1 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official telc German B1 practice test – with answers and study material.