TestDaF TDN 4 Reading Part 3 – Scientific Text
In Part 3 you read a scientific text and decide for each statement between “yes”, “no” and “the text says nothing about this”. Here’s how to handle the third option.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You read a scientific text and decide for each statement: yes, no or “the text says nothing about this”.
- Choose “the text says nothing about this” when the information is genuinely missing.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you understand a demanding scientific text precisely – usually a specialist text from a scientific source. For each statement you decide whether it is true (yes) or false (no) according to the text, or whether the text says nothing about it.
The third option “the text says nothing about this” makes this part special. You choose it when the text neither confirms nor contradicts the statement – when the information is simply missing. That requires very close reading.
A “no” statement contradicts the text; a “nothing” statement does not appear in the text at all. Don’t confuse the two. Every correct decision scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the text once in full and grasp the main points.
- 2
Read each statement and look for the matching spot in the text.
- 3
Is the statement in the text? → yes. Does the text contradict it? → no.
- 4
Does the information not appear at all? → the text says nothing about this.
- 5
Don’t confuse “no” (contradiction) with “nothing” (missing).
- 6
Transfer your answers to the answer sheet in good time.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: decide yes, no or “the text says nothing about this”.
Aus einem Fachtext: „Die Forscher stellten fest, dass Bewegung das Lernen fördert. Über die Ernährung der Teilnehmenden machten sie keine Angaben."
Statement: “A healthy diet promotes learning.” (yes/no/the text says nothing about this)
Why? The text only comments on movement; about diet it “machten sie keine Angaben” (made no statements). So the text says nothing about diet.
Practice: test yourself
Aus einem Fachtext (sinngemäß): „Die Studie untersuchte den Schlaf von 200 Studierenden über vier Wochen. Es zeigte sich, dass zu wenig Schlaf die Konzentration deutlich verschlechtert."
Is the statement true, false or does the text say nothing about it? Statement: “The study lasted four weeks.”
Common mistakes
“no” means: the text contradicts. “nothing” means: the text says nothing about it at all. These are not the same.
Only choose “nothing” when the information is genuinely missing – not when you overlooked it. Search carefully.
Only what’s in the text counts – even if you judge it differently from your own knowledge.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Decide even if you have to guess.
Tips
- Be clear about the difference between “no” (contradiction) and “nothing” (missing).
- For each statement, look specifically for the spot in the text before choosing “nothing”.
- Practice reading scientific specialist texts.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 3 have?
Around ten tasks on a scientific text, each with three options: yes, no or “the text says nothing about this”.
What is the difference between “no” and “the text says nothing about this”?
“no” means: the text contradicts the statement. “The text says nothing about this” means: the information does not appear in the text at all.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – decide on every statement.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Read scientific texts and practice deciding yes/no/nothing. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer explained after each task.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 800+ of the most important TestDaF TDN 4 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official TestDaF TDN 4 practice test – with answers and study material.