telc C1 Listening (Hörverstehen) Part 3 – Selective Listening
In Part 3 you hear a conversation or discussion and listen selectively for individual information and arguments. Here’s how to keep an overview.
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Key takeaways
- You hear a conversation or discussion and listen selectively for specific information and arguments.
- Keep track of who says what when there are several speakers. You hear it only once.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests selective listening. You hear a longer conversation or discussion between several people and solve tasks about it – for example who takes which position or what information is given.
It’s important to listen specifically for particular points and, with several speakers, to keep track of who says what. Before listening, read the tasks so you know what to watch for. At C1 you hear the conversation only once.
The biggest trap: arguments and counter-arguments get confused, or a plausible but unstated statement is chosen. Rely only on what is said. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Before listening, read the tasks and mark what to watch for.
- 2
Listen to the conversation and keep track of who takes which position.
- 3
Listen specifically for the information or arguments you need.
- 4
Don’t be fooled by plausible but unstated statements.
- 5
Decide and transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: who takes which position?
Sprecherin A: „Hausaufgaben sind wichtig, damit Kinder das Gelernte üben." Sprecher B: „Ich sehe das anders – viele Kinder sind nach der Schule überfordert. Üben kann man auch im Unterricht."
Statement: “This person thinks practice should take place in lessons.”
Why? Speaker B says children are “überfordert” (overwhelmed) and “üben kann man auch im Unterricht” (you can practice in lessons too) – that’s the position. Speaker A thinks homework is important for practice.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) eine Diskussion. Sprecher 1: „Ich finde, man sollte das Auto in der Innenstadt ganz verbieten." Sprecher 2: „Das geht mir zu weit. Sinnvoller wäre es, den Nahverkehr auszubauen, statt einfach zu verbieten."
Which position does Speaker 2 take?
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Common mistakes
With several people: keep clear track of who takes which position.
A statement can sound sensible but not appear in the conversation. Only what is said counts.
Watch who proposes something and who objects.
At C1 you hear it only once. Concentrate from the start.
Tips
- Quickly note which position each speaker takes.
- Watch for words that introduce objection or proposal (das geht mir zu weit, sinnvoller wäre …).
- Focus on the information you need, not on every word.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 3 have?
Around ten tasks on a longer conversation or discussion.
What should I watch for in Part 3?
Who takes which position, and the specific information you’re listening for. With several speakers, keep track of who says what.
How often do I hear the conversation?
At C1 usually only once. So concentrate from the start.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Listen to discussions and practice matching arguments to speakers. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 800+ of the most important telc German C1 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official telc German C1 practice test – with answers and study material.
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