DTZ B1 Listening Part 4: Matching Task Opinions — Structure, Strategy, Mistakes
Listening Part 4 is the last and shortest listening part in the DTZ — and at the same time the one with the most unusual format. Instead of multiple choice or true/false, there is a matching task: You hear three people expressing their opinions on a topic and match each statement to the corresponding given sentence. Six sentences to choose from, three tasks — and three sentences remain unused.
This task type confuses many candidates on first contact — not because it is difficult, but because it is different from everything that came before. Those who know the format and understand how to listen purposefully master Part 4 with little effort. This article explains everything.
At a glance: Listening Part 4 = 3 short opinions from different people on a topic · 6 response sentences (a–f) to read beforehand · Matching task: Which sentence fits which statement? · 1 minute reading time before listening · Tasks 18–20 · Max. 3 points · Each recording is played once.
Structure — how Part 4 works
The principle is simple once you understand it: Three different people briefly express their opinions on a daily topic (e.g., store opening hours on Sunday) — each in turn. Before that, there are six pre-formulated sentences that summarize possible positions on this topic. You need to find out which of these six sentences best reflects each person's opinion.
The special thing: Three of the six sentences do not match any statement — they are deliberate distractions (so-called distractors). In the end, you have three matches and three unused sentences.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Task Type | Matching — which sentence fits which statement? |
| Number of Tasks | 3 tasks (Tasks 18–20) |
| Number of Response Sentences | 6 sentences (a–f) — 3 fit, 3 are distractors |
| Reading Time Before Listening | 1 minute — read and prepare all 6 sentences |
| Playbacks | Each statement is played once |
| Length of Statements | Very short — typically 20–40 seconds per person |
| Points | 1 point per correct match = max. 3 points |
| Important Note | Each sentence (a–f) may only be used once |
What topics are covered in Part 4?
The topic in Part 4 is always a social everyday topic that can have different opinions — pro, con, neutral. In the official g.a.s.t. exercise set, the topic is: Store opening hours on Sunday. Typical additional topics include:
Shopping & Consumption
Opening hours, online shopping, prices, consumption
Environment & Sustainability
Recycling, energy saving, mobility, plastic
Work & Leisure
Working hours, home office, vacation habits
City & Society
Traffic, public spaces, neighborhood, noise
Digitalization & Media
Smartphones, social media, data protection, TV
Nutrition & Health
Eating habits, fitness, nutrition trends
The right strategy for Part 4 — step by step
Part 4 has a fixed procedure, which is stated in the task booklet: first a minute of reading time, then the statements. This structure completely determines the strategy.
Make full use of the one minute reading time
The task booklet states: “Now read the sentences a–f. You have one minute for this.” This minute is the most important in Part 4. Read all 6 sentences completely — do not just skim. Each sentence contains a viewpoint; mentally categorize this viewpoint: positive, negative, neutral? Future-oriented, present-related, international comparison?
Mental grouping of sentences
Before the recording begins: roughly categorize the 6 sentences. Pro arguments, con arguments, neutral statements, future predictions, international comparisons. This helps when listening to quickly decide which direction a person's statement is going.
While listening: capture opinion, not individual words
The statements are short and personally formulated. What is the core opinion of the person? Are they for, against, or do they differentiate? Do not find the matching sentence from the list through word equality — the sentences are paraphrases, not quotes. The meaning must match, not the words.
Choose the best match — not the perfect one
There is no sentence that matches the statement 1:1. It is always about the best match among the six options. If in doubt, choose the most plausible option and move on.
Strike through already used sentences
Once a sentence has been matched, strike it through in the booklet — this makes the decision for the next tasks easier as the remaining options decrease.
Immediately enter on the answer sheet
After each match, directly enter it on the answer sheet — write the letter (a–f). At the end, check whether all three fields are filled in and each letter has been used only once.
The most important note for Part 4: The sentences a–f are paraphrases of the heard opinions — never literal quotes. Those who search for word equality will not find it. Instead: Which sentence best captures the meaning of the statement? That is the only question that matters.
On DeutschMeister, you train the matching task from Listening Part 4 — with real opinions, 6 response sentences, and immediate evaluation.
Real task from the g.a.s.t. exercise set — analyzed
Tip: practise what you've just read with interactive exercises — it sticks better.
Start B1 exercises →Here is the complete real task from the official exercise set 1 of g.a.s.t. — with the response sentences, the correct matches, and an explanation of the thought process.
🎧 You hear three people expressing their opinions on store opening hours on Sunday. First, read the sentences a–f (1 minute). Then listen to the statements and match them.
The six response sentences (a–f):
- a There are already many stores that are open on Sundays.
- b In other countries, stores are closed on Sundays.
- c In the future, stores will be open longer.
- d You can no longer spend your leisure time together on Sundays.
- e Even now, people have too much hustle.
- f Banks should also be open on Sundays.
Correct matches (from the answer key):
Why distractors are so dangerous — and how to recognize them
In Part 4, three of the six response sentences are intentionally formulated to fit the topic — but do not match any of the heard statements. This is the core of the challenge.
Distractors can be recognized by the following characteristics:
- Topic yes — opinion no: A distractor addresses the correct topic but contains an opinion that none of the three people expressed. Example: Sentence b (In other countries, stores are closed on Sundays) — thematically fitting, but no one mentions other countries.
- Specificity: A distractor is often very specific (e.g., sentence f: “Banks should also be open on Sundays"). If this specificity does not appear in any statement, it is a distractor.
- Plausible addition: Distractors sound like things someone could say — but no one has said it. The feeling “that would have fit well too” is the signal for a distractor.
The most common trap: You hear the word “leisure” in statement 19 and immediately choose sentence d (leisure on Sunday). That is coincidentally correct — but the logic is wrong. The connection must be made through meaning, not through individual words. Distractors often contain the same words as the correct answer.
The 5 most common mistakes in Listening Part 4
Mistake 1: Not fully utilizing the reading time
Mistake 2: Searching for word equality instead of meaning
Mistake 3: Using the same sentence for two tasks
Mistake 4: Staying too long on one statement while listening
Mistake 5: Not recognizing distractors as such
Preparation for Part 4 — what really helps
- Practice understanding opinions in German: Easy German — street interviews on social topics. People express short personal opinions there — exactly what is tested in Part 4.
- German Radio Podcast / hr2 Opinions: Short comments and opinion pieces on the radio — train your ear for personal viewpoints.
- Practice your own summaries: Listen to a short German video and summarize it in one sentence: What is the person's opinion? This skill is exactly what Part 4 demands.
- Do the official g.a.s.t. exercise set: Page 13 contains the real Part 4 task with all 6 sentences — and the recordings are available for free at gast.de/dtz.
- DeutschMeister Listening Part 4: Matching tasks in exam format — with short opinions, 6 response sentences, and explanations after each task.
Part 4 is solvable — even with uncertainty. 3 points, 6 options, 3 correct matches. Even those who only clearly understand one statement can still score points on the other two through the process of elimination. The process of elimination works even better the better you know the 6 sentences before listening.
All four listening parts at a glance — the complete listening block
| Part | What is tested? | Task Type | Tasks | Points | Playback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Telephone announcements, announcements | Multiple Choice (a/b/c) | 4 (No. 1–4) | 4 | 2× per recording |
| Part 2 | Short media reports | Multiple Choice (a/b/c) | 5 (No. 5–9) | 5 | 2× per recording |
| Part 3 | Everyday conversations | True/False + MC | 8 (No. 10–17) | 8 | 1× per conversation |
| Part 4 | Opinions on a topic | Matching (a–f) | 3 (No. 18–20) | 3 | 1× per statement |
| Total Listening | 20 | 25 min. total | |||
With 3 points, Part 4 is the smallest listening part — but not unimportant. Together with Parts 1, 2, and 3, the four listening parts add up to 20 points. Of these, you need at least 33 out of 45 for B1 (together with reading). Listening alone can therefore provide up to 20/33 necessary points — if you master all parts solidly.
DeutschMeister · DTZ Listening · All 4 Parts in Exam Format
Targeted training for Listening Part 4 and all other listening parts
On DeutschMeister, you train all four listening parts of the DTZ in the real exam format — including Part 4 with the matching task: short opinions, six response sentences, one minute of reading time. After each task, there is immediate feedback with an explanation — why which sentence fits and why the distractors do not work.
Practice Listening Part 4 nowFree · No registration needed · Immediate access to all listening parts
Frequently Asked Questions about Listening Part 4
Can the same letter (e.g., “c”) be used for multiple tasks?
No — each sentence (a–f) may only be used once. This is stated in the task: Which of the sentences a–f fits the statements 18–20? Each match is unique. Those who enter the same letter twice will have at least one answer marked wrong.
What happens to the three unused sentences?
The three unused sentences are distractors — they do not match any of the three heard statements. They simply remain unentered. This is intentional and part of the design: Out of 6 sentences, exactly 3 always fit, the other 3 do not.
How much reading time is there before listening in Part 4?
Exactly one minute — this is stated in the task booklet: “Now read the sentences a–f. You have one minute for this.” This minute is the most valuable time in Part 4 — those who fully utilize it and really read all 6 sentences go into listening with a significant advantage.
Are the statements in Part 4 played once or twice?
Once — as in Part 3. In Parts 1 and 2, recordings are played twice. In Parts 3 and 4, only once. This is especially important for concentration: There is no second listening, no second chance.
What to do if you do not understand a statement at all?
Still match it — there is no point deduction for wrong answers. In case of total uncertainty, two strategies help: (1) Process of elimination — which sentences have you already used for other tasks? The remaining options are manageable. (2) Thematic plausibility — which of the remaining sentences fits the topic best?
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