telc C2 Listening and Writing – Summarizing
In this part you listen to a text and summarize it in writing. Here’s how to combine targeted listening with independent writing.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You listen to a text and summarize the key information in writing.
- Assessed on content (complete, correct) and language (structure, own wording).
What this part tests
This part tests whether you understand spoken German at the highest level AND can process what you’ve understood in writing. You listen to a longer, demanding text – such as a lecture or feature – and then summarize the key information in your own words. You have 60 minutes.
Two areas are assessed: content (25 points) – whether you grasp and reproduce the central information fully and correctly – and linguistic realization (15 points) – structure, own wording and correct, stylistically assured language.
The challenge is the combination: you have to take targeted notes on what’s important while listening and then put it into writing in a structured way and in your own words. Whoever copies word for word, takes in every detail or writes without structure loses points.
How to approach it
- 1
Listen to the text and note the core statements, numbers and structure in keywords.
- 2
Order your notes: what is central, what marginal?
- 3
Write a coherent summary in your own words, not copied word for word.
- 4
Structure clearly (introduction, main points, conclusion) and use connectors.
- 5
Watch for complete content AND correct, stylistically assured language.
- 6
Check at the end: all core statements included, clearly structured, linguistically correct?
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: formulate a summary from a listening text.
Ein Vortrag erklärt, dass viele Menschen zu wenig schlafen. Schlafmangel beeinträchtige Konzentration, Gesundheit und Stimmung. Die Rednerin empfiehlt feste Schlafzeiten und weniger Bildschirmzeit am Abend.
Possible summary (extract):
Why? The summary reproduces the core statements (importance of sleep, effects of sleep deprivation, recommendations) fully and in its own words, is clearly structured and uses phrases (“In dem Vortrag geht es um …”, “Die Rednerin erläutert, dass …”) – exactly what’s expected.
Practice: test yourself
Du hast einen Vortrag über das Thema Schlaf gehört. Du sollst die Kernaussage zusammenfassen.
Which sentence is best suited for a summary?
Common mistakes
Literal borrowings from the listening text score no points. Formulate in your own words.
A summary contains the core statements, not every detail. Select.
Without a clear structure you lose points on linguistic realization. Structure logically.
Language counts too (15 points). Write correctly, precisely and with stylistic assurance.
Tips
- Practice note-taking of core statements in keywords while listening.
- Learn phrases for introducing and summarizing by heart.
- Leave time at the end to check your text for content and language.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to reproduce the whole listening text?
No. You summarize the central information – not every detail. Select what is important for understanding.
How long should the summary be?
Long enough that all core statements are included, and as concise as possible. More important than the length are completeness and clear, own wording.
May I take notes while listening?
Yes, and you should. Note the core statements, numbers and structure in keywords so you can formulate well afterwards.
How do I get feedback on my summary?
The official PDF answer key doesn’t assess writing. At Prepliq a mock scores your summary automatically for content and linguistic realization.
Useful resources
Learn 600+ of the most important telc German C2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official telc German C2 practice test – with answers and study material.