telc C1 Reading Part 3 – True/False/Not in the Text
In Part 3 you decide for a long text whether statements are true, false or not in the text. Here’s how to distinguish the three options reliably.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You decide for a long text for 12 statements: true, false or not in the text?
- Important: “false” means contradiction, “not in the text” means missing information.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests close detail comprehension. You read a long, demanding text and decide for twelve statements whether they are true, false or not in the text. The statements usually follow the order of the text.
The difference between the three options is decisive: “true” means the text confirms the statement (usually paraphrased). “false” means the text explicitly contradicts it. “not in the text” means the text gives no information about it at all – even if the statement sounds plausible.
The biggest trap is confusing “false” and “not in the text”. Rely on the text alone, not on your world knowledge. Whoever backs up every answer with a spot in the text – or establishes there is none – decides reliably. Wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the text once in full for an overview and the line of argument.
- 2
Go statement by statement and look for the matching spot in the text.
- 3
Ask yourself: does the text confirm the statement (true)? Does it contradict it (false)?
- 4
If you find no spot that confirms or contradicts the statement, it’s “not in the text”.
- 5
Don’t be fooled by plausible but unsupported statements.
- 6
Decide on every statement and transfer your answer.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: read the extract and decide true, false or not in the text.
Das Museum hat seine Öffnungszeiten verlängert und ist nun auch montags geöffnet. Der Eintritt ist für Kinder und Jugendliche unter 18 Jahren kostenlos. Über die Besucherzahlen seit der Änderung macht das Museum keine Angaben.
Statement 1: “The museum is closed on Mondays.”
Why? The text says the museum is “nun auch montags geöffnet” (now open on Mondays too). The statement contradicts the text – so it’s false.
Statement 2: “Visitor numbers have risen since the change.”
Why? The text explicitly says the museum gives “keine Angaben” (no information) about visitor numbers. So there is no information – “not in the text”, not “false”.
Practice: test yourself
Textauszug (sinngemäß): „Die Stadt hat im letzten Jahr mehrere neue Radwege gebaut. Wie viele Menschen seitdem tatsächlich vom Auto auf das Fahrrad umgestiegen sind, wurde bisher nicht untersucht."
Statement: “Since the cycle paths were built, significantly more people cycle.” What applies?
Common mistakes
A statement is only “false” if the text contradicts it. If the information is missing, it’s “not in the text”.
Only what’s in the text counts – not what you personally know about the topic.
A word from the text doesn’t make the statement true. The answer is almost always paraphrased.
Don’t cling too long. Mark the statement and come back later.
Tips
- For each statement, ask first: is there anything in the text about it at all?
- Mark the spot that supports your answer – or establish there is none.
- Watch for restrictions (nur, ausschließlich, immer) – they often make a statement false.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 3 have?
Twelve. You decide for twelve statements whether they are true, false or not in the text.
What is the difference between “false” and “not in the text”?
“False” means the text contradicts the statement. “Not in the text” means the text gives no information about it – even if the statement sounds plausible.
Does the correct statement appear word for word in the text?
Rarely. It’s usually paraphrased. Look for the paraphrase, not the same word.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Practice distinguishing “false” from “not in the text” specifically. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer with a reason after each task.
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.