telc German C2 – Listening and Writing
Listening and Writing is a combined part of the telc C2 exam: you listen to a text and summarize the key information in writing. Here are the structure, strategy and exercises.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- A combined part: you listen to a text and process it in writing.
- Assessed on content (25 points) and linguistic realization (15 points) – 40 points in total.
- You have 60 minutes – including listening, note-taking and writing.
Overview
The Listening-and-Writing part is a special feature of the telc C2 exam: instead of separate listening and writing parts, both are combined. You listen to a longer, demanding text – such as a lecture or feature – and then summarize the key information in writing or transfer it into a given frame. You have 60 minutes for it in total.
It is assessed in two areas: content (have you grasped and reproduced the central information fully and correctly?) with 25 points, and linguistic realization (clear structure, own wording, correct and stylistically assured language) with 15 points – 40 points in total.
The difficulty lies in the combination: you have to take notes on what’s important while listening and then put it into writing clearly and correctly in your own words. Whoever only writes down single words or copies the listening text word for word loses points. What’s required is an independent, structured summary.
The combination of close listening and independent writing is demanding. You have to grasp what’s important, summarize it in your own words and formulate it with stylistic assurance.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listen & summarize | Listening & summary | Combining listening and writing | 1 | 40 |
Tips & strategy
While listening, write keywords for the central information – not full sentences. Focus on core statements, numbers and structure.
Write the summary in your own words. Copying word for word from the listening text scores no points and looks dependent.
A good summary contains the main information, not every detail. Select what is central to understanding.
Structure your summary logically – like the listening text or by topic. Use connectors so the text hangs together.
Both areas count: grasp the content fully (25 points) and write correctly and with stylistic assurance (15 points).
Plan the 60 minutes: listening and note-taking, then writing, then checking. Leave time at the end to check your text.
What matters
A good summary in the C2 format is characterized by:
- Completeness
- all central information of the listening text is included.
- Independence
- formulated in your own words, not copied word for word.
- Structure
- logical structure with connectors and a thread.
- Linguistic assurance
- correct grammar, precise vocabulary, appropriate style.
Useful phrases for summarizing
These phrases help when putting it into writing:
- Introducing
- In dem Vortrag/Text geht es um … / Der Beitrag behandelt …
- Reproducing information
- Zunächst wird … / Der Autor/Die Sprecherin erläutert, dass …
- Structuring
- Anschließend … / Ein weiterer Punkt ist … / Abschließend …
- Summarizing
- Insgesamt lässt sich festhalten, dass … / Kernaussage ist, dass …
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and look at an official practice test: what does the task look like and what is assessed?
- Day2Notes while listening
Practice targeted note-taking while listening: listen to a lecture and write only the core statements in keywords.
- Day3Formulate in your own words
Practice writing a coherent summary in your own words from keywords.
- Day4Structure & phrases
Learn phrases for introducing, reproducing and summarizing and practice a clear structure.
- Day5Practice selecting
Practice separating the important from the marginal – a summary doesn’t contain every detail.
- Day6Full part under time
Listen to a text and write a complete summary in 60 minutes; check it at the end.
- Day7Get feedback
Have your summary assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores content and language.
Are you ready?
- I take targeted notes on the central information while listening.
- I grasp the core statements of a long listening text.
- I write a summary in my own words.
- I separate the important from the marginal.
- I structure my text clearly and write correctly and with stylistic assurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the “Listening and Writing” part in the telc C2 exam?
A combined part: you listen to a longer text and then summarize the key information in writing or transfer it. Listening and writing are tested together.
How is this part assessed?
In two areas: content (have you reproduced the central information fully and correctly?) with 25 points and linguistic realization (structure, own wording, correct language) with 15 points – 40 points in total.
How much time do I have for this part?
60 minutes in total – including listening, note-taking and writing. Budget your time well and leave time to check.
May I copy word for word from the listening text?
No, that scores no points. What’s required is an independent summary in your own words.
What’s the best way to practice this part?
Listen to demanding lectures, note the core statements and write a summary from them. At Prepliq you practice this with realistic mock exams; a mock scores your text automatically for content and language.
Where do I find the audio (MP3)?
The audio files belong to the official practice test; telc offers them as MP3. We don’t host any audio – use the official practice test or practice with a Prepliq mock.