---
title: "TestDaF TDN 3 Reading Part 1: Matching"
description: "Reading Part 1 in the TestDaF (TDN 3): match statements to short texts. Format, strategy, common mistakes and a worked example."
canonical: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/reading/part-1"
url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/reading/part-1.md"
locale: "en"
provider: "TestDaF"
level: "TDN 3"
alternates:
  de: "https://prepliq.com/de/modelltest/testdaf-deutsch-tdn3/leseverstehen/teil-1.md"
  en: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/reading/part-1.md"
  fr: "https://prepliq.com/fr/examen-blanc/testdaf-allemand-tdn3/comprehension-ecrite/partie-1.md"
  it: "https://prepliq.com/it/simulazione-esame/testdaf-tedesco-tdn3/lettura/parte-1.md"
  es: "https://prepliq.com/es/modelo-de-examen/testdaf-aleman-tdn3/lectura/parte-1.md"
---

# TestDaF TDN 3 Reading Part 1 – Matching

> Reading Part 1 in the TestDaF (TDN 3): match statements to short texts. Format, strategy, common mistakes and a worked example.

## Key takeaways

- You read several short texts and match statements or situations to the right text.
- Look specifically for the information – some statements fit no text.

- Task type: Matching
- Focus: Selective reading

## What this part tests

Part 1 tests whether you can quickly get an overview of several short texts and find information purposefully – often texts from student life (e.g. courses, housing, university offers).

You match each statement or situation to the matching text. It’s about selective reading under time pressure: you don’t have to understand every text fully, just find the decisive information. Some statements fit none of the texts.

The statements are paraphrased, not literal. Watch the exact detail that applies to only one text. Every correct match scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.

**What you practice:** Skimming texts, Finding information, Matching statements

## How to approach it

1. First get a quick overview of all the short texts.
2. Read the first statement and consider which detail is decisive.
3. Look for the text that contains exactly this information.
4. Watch for paraphrased wording, not identical words.
5. Remember: some statements fit no text.
6. Transfer your answers to the answer sheet in good time.

## Example task with answer

A short example in the same format: match the statement to the right text.

**Du liest (sinngemäß):** Text A: „Der Sprachkurs findet abends statt und ist auch für Berufstätige geeignet." Text B: „Der Intensivkurs läuft täglich am Vormittag und setzt Vorkenntnisse voraus."

- Which text fits “A course you can attend alongside work”? (a) Text A · (b) Text B
  - Answer: a — Text A is “abends” (in the evening) and “auch für Berufstätige geeignet” (also suitable for working people) – that fits the statement. Text B runs in the morning and doesn’t fit working people.

## Practice: test yourself

Du liest kurze Texte über Wohnmöglichkeiten für Studierende.
Text A (sinngemäß): „Im Wohnheim am Campus sind alle Zimmer möbliert; die Miete ist günstig, aber die Wartelisten sind lang."
Text B (sinngemäß): „In der WG in der Innenstadt ist sofort ein Zimmer frei, allerdings unmöbliert und etwas teurer."

- Which text fits the statement: “A room is available immediately here”?
  - a) Text A
  - b) Text B
  - Answer: b — Text B says “sofort ein Zimmer frei” (a room free immediately). Text A has long waiting lists. The statement fits Text B.

## Common mistakes

- **Falling for one word:** A shared word doesn’t make the match right. Check the exact information.
- **Reading too slowly:** Part 1 requires fast skimming. Search purposefully instead of reading each text in full.
- **Forgetting the “no text” option:** Some statements fit no text. Recognize that and mark accordingly.
- **Leaving boxes blank:** No answer means a guaranteed zero. Match every statement.

## Tips

- First get a quick overview of all the texts.
- For each statement, look specifically for the decisive detail.
- Practice reading short texts from a study context quickly.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many tasks does reading Part 1 have?

Around ten matching tasks on several short texts.

### Do I have to read each text in full?

No. Look specifically for the information that fits the respective statement – selective reading is enough.

### Are wrong answers penalized?

No. There is no penalty – match every statement.

### What’s the best way to practice Part 1?

Read short texts from a study context and practice quick matching. 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/testdaf-german-tdn3?action=start&sectionId=Reading%20Comprehension)

[TestDaF TDN 3 Reading Part 1 – Matching](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/reading/part-1)