TMS Muster zuordnen, Schlauchfiguren and Figuren lernen: are they still in the TMSnat?
In short: no. The three task groups Muster zuordnen (pattern matching), Schlauchfiguren (tube figures) and Figuren lernen (memorising figures) belong to the previous TMS but no longer appear in the planned structure of the TMSnat. They only still matter for the last TMS on 7/8 November 2026. This page explains what the three groups test, how the old and new tests differ and what that means for your preparation. Page last updated: 1 October 2026.
The answer at a glance
- Muster zuordnen: in the TMS 24 tasks in 30 minutes, not included in the planned TMSnat.
- Schlauchfiguren: in the TMS 24 tasks in 15 minutes, not included in the planned TMSnat.
- Figuren lernen: in the TMS 20 figures with 4 minutes of memorising and 5 minutes of recall, not included in the planned TMSnat.
- Who still needs them: Anyone taking the last TMS on 7/8 November 2026. If you are preparing for the TMSnat from 2027, according to the current plan you no longer need to practise these three groups.
Previous TMS and planned TMSnat compared
| Task group | Previous TMS | Planned TMSnat |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern matching (Muster zuordnen) | 24 / 30 min | not included |
| Basic understanding of medicine and natural sciences (Medizinisch-naturwissenschaftliches Grundverständnis) | 24 / 60 min | 20 tasks / 50 min |
| Tube figures (Schlauchfiguren) | 24 / 15 min | not included |
| Quantitative and formal problems (Quantitative und formale Probleme) | 24 / 60 min | 20 tasks / 50 min |
| Memorising figures, learning / recall (Figuren lernen) | 20 / 4 min and 20 / 5 min | not included |
| Memorising facts, learning / recall (Fakten lernen) | 15 / 6 min and 20 / 7 min | 20 / 6 min and 20 / 7 min |
| Reading comprehension (Textverständnis) | 24 / 60 min | 20 tasks / 50 min |
| Charts and tables (Diagramme und Tabellen) | 24 / 60 min | 20 tasks / 50 min |
| Knowledge of natural sciences (Naturwissenschaftliche Kenntnisse) | not included | 40 tasks / 60 min |
| Arithmetic problem solving (Arithmetisches Problemlösen) | not included | 16 tasks / 25 min |
| Break | 1 hour | 60 min |
Sources: tms-info.org, page “Über den TMS” (previous TMS); “Geplante Zusammensetzung des TMSnat”, status 26 June 2026 (TMSnat). The order of the groups differs between the two tests. You will find the TMSnat sequence in detail on the page TMSnat structure.
What the three task groups test
Muster zuordnen (pattern matching)
According to the official task collection, this group tests the ability to recognise sections within a complex image. Each task has a pattern and five sections (A) to (E). You look for the section that fits onto the pattern exactly and completely at some point. The sections are neither enlarged, reduced, rotated nor flipped. In the TMS there are 24 tasks in 30 minutes, which works out at 75 seconds per task.
Schlauchfiguren (tube figures)
According to the task collection, this group tests spatial imagination. Each task shows two images of a transparent cube with one or two cables inside: on the left always the front view, on the right the same cube from another direction. You decide whether the right image shows the cube from the right, left, below, above or behind. In the TMS there are 24 tasks in 15 minutes, which works out at just under 38 seconds per task.
Figuren lernen (memorising figures)
According to the task collection, this memory test checks how well you can memorise details of objects you perceive visually. You see 20 figures, each with one part blacked out, and have 4 minutes to learn which part it is. Later the figures are shown in a different order and you have 5 minutes to say which part was black. Taking notes is not allowed.
Are you taking the last TMS in November 2026?
Then the three groups are still a full part of your test. tms-info.org names these official materials:
- Free task collection: “Beispielaufgaben zur Vorbereitung” (PDF, German) with original instructions and example tasks for all groups, including Muster zuordnen, Schlauchfiguren and Figuren lernen.
- Original versions: According to tms-info.org, original versions of the test are available in bookshops from the publisher Hogrefe.
Our recommendations, not requirements of the providers: practise Schlauchfiguren with a clock, because the calculation leaves you less than 40 seconds per task. For Figuren lernen, practise memorising without notes, as required in the test.
What this means for TMSnat preparation
- Reallocate your time: According to the current plan, you no longer need to practise Muster zuordnen, Schlauchfiguren and Figuren lernen for the TMSnat.
- Note the new groups: Knowledge of natural sciences (40 tasks) and arithmetic problem solving (16 tasks) are new in the TMSnat. You can practise arithmetic problem solving and quantitative and formal problems here for free.
- Check old material: Books and courses for the previous TMS often contain all three groups. Check them against the planned structure. You will find a plan for all TMSnat groups on the page TMS preparation.
- Keep an eye on the planning status: If the providers change the structure again, we will update this page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Muster zuordnen part of the TMSnat?
No, according to the planning status of 26 June 2026, Muster zuordnen is not included in the TMSnat.
Are Schlauchfiguren part of the TMSnat?
No, Schlauchfiguren are not included in the planned structure of the TMSnat.
Is Figuren lernen part of the TMSnat?
No. Of the memory test, only Fakten lernen remains in the TMSnat, with 6 minutes of memorising and 7 minutes of recall.
Do I still need to practise Muster zuordnen and Schlauchfiguren?
Only if you are taking the last TMS in November 2026. For the TMSnat from 2027, the two groups are no longer planned according to the current plan.
Where can I find official practice tasks for these groups?
In the free task collection “Beispielaufgaben zur Vorbereitung” on tms-info.org and in the original versions from Hogrefe.
Sources
- tms-info.org, “Über den TMS”: task groups, numbers of tasks and times of the previous TMS.
- “Beispielaufgaben zur Vorbereitung” (PDF, © 2025 ITB Consulting GmbH): descriptions of the task groups.
- tms-info.org, “Vorbereitung auf den TMS”: official practice materials.
- “Geplante Zusammensetzung des TMSnat” (PDF, status 26 June 2026).
Checked on 1 October 2026. In case of any discrepancy, the information in the sources always applies. This English page is a translation of the German original; the German page is authoritative.