TestDaF TDN 4 – Listening (Hörverstehen)
Listening is part of the TestDaF exam. Here you’ll find the structure, tasks, exercises and a clear strategy for each of the three parts.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- Listening has 3 parts with 25 tasks in total.
- You hear a conversation (Part 1), an interview (Part 2) and a lecture (Part 3).
- You hear the texts only once – plan around 40 minutes.
Overview
Listening is one of the four modules of the TestDaF exam. You hear three texts from university life and science – a conversation, an interview and a lecture – and solve 25 tasks. You have around 40 minutes for it.
At its core it’s about understanding academic conversations and lectures in naturally spoken language. Importantly, you hear each text only once. In Parts 1 and 3 you write short answers (keywords), in Part 2 you decide true/false.
The three parts get increasingly demanding: in Part 1 you hear an everyday conversation at the university (e.g. at the office), in Part 2 an interview or conversation on a specialist topic, in Part 3 a lecture or expert talk at a high level. Always read the tasks beforehand.
The texts are natural and fast, and you hear them only once. The biggest hurdle is the pace, the specialist vocabulary and writing along simultaneously in Parts 1 and 3.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Conversation | Short answers | Understanding a university conversation | 8 | 8 |
| Part 2 – Interview (T/F) | True/False | Understanding a specialist conversation | 10 | 10 |
| Part 3 – Lecture | Short answers | Understanding a lecture | 7 | 7 |
Tips & strategy
Before each part you have time to read the tasks. Use it: mark key words so you can listen out for them purposefully.
You hear each text only once. Concentrate from the start and mark or note immediately.
Here you write short answers. Note only keywords – a single word or a number is often enough.
The answer depends on the meaning. The audio often says the same thing in different words from the task.
The tasks come in the order of the text. Don’t lose the thread – if you miss one, move to the next.
At the end you have time to transfer your answers neatly. Watch your spelling when you do.
What TDN 4 means in Listening
At TDN 4 you follow demanding talks and discussions in detail, including information that is only implied.
- CEFR level
- B2.2–C1.1
- To reach TDN 4
- To reach TDN 4, handle the scientific Part 3 in reading and listening confidently and write and speak in a clearly structured, well-argued way – not just intelligibly.
Common listening situations
In the listening part you’ll meet typical TestDaF audio texts:
- University conversation
- an everyday conversation, e.g. at the office or with fellow students (Part 1).
- Interview / specialist talk
- a conversation on a specialist topic (Part 2).
- Lecture
- a scientific lecture or expert talk (Part 3).
Common topics
The audio texts revolve around studies and science. Prepare vocabulary for them:
- Study organization
- registration, courses, deadlines, advice
- Research & science
- studies, projects, results
- Society & environment
- current topics, debates
- Specialist language
- academic terms and phrases
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and do a first listening practice test with the official Modelltest – without pressure, just to understand the structure.
- Day2Part 1 – conversation
Practice listening to a university conversation and noting short answers – heard only once.
- Day3Part 2 – interview
Practice deciding true/false on a specialist conversation – heard only once.
- Day4Part 3 – lecture
Practice listening to a lecture and noting short answers – heard only once.
- Day5Practice writing along
Practice specifically listening and noting keywords at the same time.
- Day6Full listening part under time
Work through all three parts with audio in one go and transfer your answers to an answer sheet.
- Day7Analyze your mistakes
Listen again to the spots where you went wrong: what did you miss? Review your weakest part specifically.
Are you ready?
- I understand a university conversation and note short answers.
- I confidently decide true/false on a specialist conversation.
- I follow a scientific lecture and note the important points.
- I listen and write along at the same time without losing the thread.
- I understand specialist vocabulary at listening pace.
- I can manage all 25 tasks, even though I only hear once.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to reach TDN 4 in listening?
At TDN 4 you follow demanding talks and discussions in detail, including information that is only implied. To reach TDN 4, handle the scientific Part 3 in reading and listening confidently and write and speak in a clearly structured, well-argued way – not just intelligibly.
How many parts does TestDaF listening have?
Three parts with 25 tasks in total: Part 1 (conversation, short answers), Part 2 (interview, true/false) and Part 3 (lecture, short answers).
How often do I hear the texts?
You hear each text only once. So read the tasks beforehand and concentrate from the start.
How much time do I have for listening?
Listening lasts around 40 minutes, including the time to transfer the answers to the answer sheet.
Where do I find the audio texts (audio/MP3)?
The audio files belong to the official Modelltest of the TestDaF-Institut. We don’t host any audio – use the official Modelltest or practice listening with a Prepliq mock exam.
How is listening scored in TDN 4?
Like all TestDaF modules, listening is graded in TDN levels. Depending on your score you reach TDN 3, 4 or 5. TDN 4 lies between B2 and C1 and is the level most universities require in all four parts. With TDN 4 four times over you are usually fully eligible to study.
What’s the best way to practice listening?
Listen to demanding German conversations, interviews and lectures every day and practice writing along. At Prepliq you practice listening with realistic mock exams and get instant scoring.