---
title: "telc C1 Listening Part 3: Selective Listening"
description: "Listening Part 3 of the telc C1 exam: hear a discussion and listen selectively for information. Strategy, common mistakes and a worked example."
canonical: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/listening/part-3"
url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/listening/part-3.md"
locale: "en"
provider: "TELC"
level: "C1"
alternates:
  de: "https://prepliq.com/de/modelltest/telc-deutsch-c1/hoeren/teil-3.md"
  en: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/listening/part-3.md"
  fr: "https://prepliq.com/fr/examen-blanc/telc-allemand-c1/comprehension-orale/partie-3.md"
  it: "https://prepliq.com/it/simulazione-esame/telc-tedesco-c1/ascolto/parte-3.md"
  es: "https://prepliq.com/es/modelo-de-examen/telc-aleman-c1/comprension-oral/parte-3.md"
---

# telc C1 Listening Part 3 – Selective Listening

> Listening Part 3 of the telc C1 exam: hear a discussion and listen selectively for information. Strategy, common mistakes and a worked example.

## 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.

- Task type: Selective listening
- Focus: Selective listening

## 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.

**What you practice:** Targeted listening, Distinguishing speakers, Matching arguments

## 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?

**Du hörst (sinngemäß):** 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.”
  - Answer: Sprecher B — 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?
  - a) Statt eines Verbots sollte der Nahverkehr ausgebaut werden.
  - b) Autos sollten in der Innenstadt ganz verboten werden.
  - c) Am Verkehr sollte sich nichts ändern.
  - Answer: a — Speaker 2 rejects the ban (“zu weit”) and proposes instead to “den Nahverkehr auszubauen” (expand public transport) – that’s position a. b is Speaker 1’s position, c nobody says.

## Common mistakes

- **Confusing speakers:** With several people: keep clear track of who takes which position.
- **Plausible but not said:** A statement can sound sensible but not appear in the conversation. Only what is said counts.
- **Confusing argument and counter-argument:** Watch who proposes something and who objects.
- **Waiting for a repeat:** 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.

## Ready for the exam?

[Practice this part on Prepliq](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1?action=start&sectionId=Listening%20Comprehension)

[telc C1 Listening Part 3 – Selective Listening](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/listening/part-3)