telc B1 Reading Part 3 – Matching Ads
In Part 3 you match ten everyday situations to the right ads. Important: sometimes no ad fits – then the answer is “x”.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- 10 situations and 12 ads – find the right ad for each situation.
- Sometimes no ad fits: then “x” is the correct answer.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests selective reading. You read ten short everyday situations and twelve classified ads (a–l) and find the matching ad for each situation. The point is to scan specifically for exactly the information that fits each situation.
A special feature is the “x”: for at least one situation there is deliberately no matching ad – then the answer is “x”. Each ad also fits at most one situation. If you don’t plan for the “x”, you can easily miss this negative item.
When matching, the details count: place, time, target group or price can rule out an ad that seems to fit at first glance. So check whether all the conditions of the situation are really met, and read the ads like search results: who offers what for whom?
How to approach it
- 1
Read a situation and underline the decisive words, e.g. “holiday” or “puppy”.
- 2
Scan for the ad that meets exactly this need – not just roughly.
- 3
Check that all the conditions really fit. Even one detail (place, time, target group) can rule out an ad.
- 4
If you can’t find a matching ad, enter “x” – that’s a correct answer, not a mistake.
- 5
Cross out used ads and solve the clear cases first.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: which ad fits which situation?
Hundeschule Pfote: Welpenkurse jeden Samstag, auch für Anfänger.
Tierpension Sonnenhof: Wir betreuen Ihren Hund während Ihres Urlaubs.
Tierarztpraxis Dr. Berg: Impfungen und Vorsorge für Hund und Katze.
Situation 1: You’re going on holiday for two weeks and are looking for someone to care for your dog during that time.
Why? The pet boarding house (Tierpension) cares for the dog during the holiday – exactly the situation’s need.
Situation 2: Your new puppy should learn to walk on a lead.
Why? The dog school (Hundeschule) offers puppy courses for beginners. If there were no matching ad, the answer would be “x”.
Practice: test yourself
Tanzschule Rhythmus – Salsa-Kurse für Anfänger.
Fitnessstudio Aktiv – Geräte und Kurse rund um die Uhr.
Musikschule Ton – Gitarrenunterricht für Kinder.
You want to learn to dance and have no experience yet. Which ad fits?
Common mistakes
In Part 3 all conditions must match. An ad that fits roughly is the wrong one.
At least one situation has no matching ad. If you never choose “x”, you make a mistake here.
Matching words aren’t enough. Check whether the ad meets the situation’s concrete need.
Each ad fits at most one situation. Cross out used ads.
Tips
- Count on at least one situation having no matching ad (“x”).
- With ten tasks, Part 3 has the most – plan enough time for it.
- Read the ads like search results: who offers what for whom?
Frequently asked questions
What does “x” mean in reading Part 3?
“x” is the correct answer when none of the ads fits a situation. This negative item is intentional.
How many situations and ads are there in Part 3?
Ten situations and twelve ads (a–l). Each ad fits at most one situation.
How do I tell two similar ads apart?
Check the details: place, time, target group or price. Often a single criterion decides. You can practice comparing ads with Prepliq mocks that show you the correct match after each task.
Can one ad fit several situations?
No. Each ad fits at most one situation. If two situations seem to fit the same ad, read more closely – only one really meets all the conditions.
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.