TestDaF Listening (Hörverstehen) Part 3 – Lecture
In Part 3 you hear a scientific lecture and note a short answer for each task. You hear it only once. Here’s how to grasp the important points.
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Key takeaways
- You hear a scientific lecture or expert talk and note a short answer for each task.
- You hear the text only once. Grasp the important points and note briefly.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you can follow a demanding scientific lecture or expert talk – one person speaks at length on a specialist topic. You note a short answer for each task.
It’s about grasping main points, reasons, figures and connections at a high linguistic level. You must listen and write along briefly at the same time. Importantly, you hear the lecture only once.
The tasks follow the order of the lecture. Watch for structuring signals and exact details. Every correct answer scores points; watch your spelling when you transfer.
How to approach it
- 1
Before listening, read all tasks and mark what is asked.
- 2
Listen to the lecture and watch for main points, reasons and figures.
- 3
Immediately note the matching short answer as a keyword.
- 4
Follow the tasks in the order of the lecture.
- 5
At the end, transfer your answers neatly and correctly spelled.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: you hear an extract and note the short answer.
„Die Zahl der internationalen Studierenden ist in den letzten zehn Jahren um rund 40 Prozent gestiegen."
By how many percent has the number of international students risen?
Why? The lecture names “um rund 40 Prozent” (by about 40 percent). The short answer is “um rund 40 Prozent”.
Practice: test yourself
Du hörst (sinngemäß) einen Vortrag: „Ein entscheidender Faktor für erfolgreiches Lernen ist der Schlaf. Wer regelmäßig schläft, kann sich Gelerntes deutlich besser merken."
Which factor is decisive for successful learning, according to the lecture?
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Common mistakes
Note only keywords. Whole sentences cost time and you miss the next information.
A picked-up word is not the answer. Grasp the actual point.
With only one listening you can’t get stuck. Move to the next task if needed.
Wrongly spelled answers can be marked wrong. Transfer carefully.
Tips
- Watch for structuring signals like “erstens”, “außerdem”, “zum Schluss”.
- Note only keywords, not whole sentences.
- Practice listening to scientific lectures while writing along.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does listening Part 3 have?
Around seven tasks on a scientific lecture, for each of which you note a short answer.
Do I hear the lecture twice?
No, only once. Read the tasks beforehand and note immediately while listening.
How much do I have to write?
Only keywords – a word, a number or a short phrase. Watch your spelling when you transfer.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Listen to scientific lectures and practice noting the main points. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn the most important TestDaF vocabulary interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official TestDaF practice test – with answers and study material.
Find your weak points before they cost you points
Practice this exam part in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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