telc B2 Reading Part 3 – Matching Texts
In Part 3 you match ten situations to the right short texts. Important: sometimes no text fits – then the answer is “x”.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- 10 situations and 12 short texts – find the right text for each situation.
- Sometimes no text fits: then “x” is the correct answer.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests selective reading. You read ten short situations and twelve short texts (ads, offers, notices) and find the matching text 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 text – then the answer is “x”. Each text 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, conditions or price can rule out a text that seems to fit at first glance. So check whether all the conditions of the situation are really met, and read the texts like search results: who offers what for whom?
How to approach it
- 1
Read a situation and underline the decisive conditions (e.g. “intensiv”, “abends”, “für Anfänger”).
- 2
Scan specifically for the text that meets exactly this need – not just roughly.
- 3
Check that all the conditions really fit. Even one detail can rule out a text.
- 4
If you can’t find a matching text, enter “x” – that’s a correct answer, not a mistake.
- 5
Cross out used texts and solve the clear cases first.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: which text fits which situation?
Umzugshilfe Schnell & Sicher: Wir transportieren Ihre Möbel auch am Wochenende, fairer Festpreis.
Möbellager zentral: Lagern Sie Ihre Möbel sicher und trocken – ab einer Woche bis zu einem Jahr.
Tischlerei Holzwerk: Wir reparieren und restaurieren alte Holzmöbel.
Situation 1: You’re moving house on Saturday and are looking for someone to transport your furniture.
Why? The moving service transports furniture at the weekend too – exactly the situation’s need (moving on Saturday).
Situation 2: You need a place to store furniture for three months.
Why? The furniture store offers secure storage from one week to one year – fitting for three months. If there were no matching text, the answer would be “x”.
Practice: test yourself
Sprachcafé International – jeden Mittwochabend zwanglos Deutsch und andere Sprachen üben.
Volkshochschule: Intensivkurs Deutsch B2, fünfmal pro Woche, mit Prüfungsvorbereitung.
Lesekreis der Stadtbibliothek – einmal im Monat über aktuelle Romane sprechen.
You want to study specifically and intensively for your B2 exam. Which text fits?
Common mistakes
In Part 3 all conditions must match. A text that fits roughly is the wrong one.
At least one situation has no matching text. If you never choose “x”, you make a mistake here.
Matching words aren’t enough. Check whether the text meets the situation’s concrete need.
Each text fits at most one situation. Cross out used texts.
Tips
- Count on at least one situation having no matching text (“x”).
- With ten tasks, Part 3 has the most – plan enough time for it.
- Read the texts like search results: who offers what for whom and under which conditions?
Frequently asked questions
What does “x” mean in reading Part 3?
“x” is the correct answer when none of the texts fits a situation. This negative item is intentional.
How many situations and texts are there in Part 3?
Ten situations and twelve short texts. Each text fits at most one situation.
How do I tell two similar texts apart?
Check the details: place, time, target group, conditions or price. Often a single criterion decides. You can practice comparing texts with Prepliq mocks that show you the correct match after each task.
Can one text fit several situations?
No. Each text fits at most one situation. If two situations seem to fit the same text, read more closely – only one really meets all the conditions.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 700+ of the most important telc German B2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official telc German B2 practice test – with answers and study material.