What is tested in the Goethe B1 writing exam?

In the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 writing module (approximately 30 minutes), you write either a formal or informal email / letter. 4–5 content points are specified in advance and you need to write approximately 80–100 words. The writing module is an independent module that can be taken separately.

How does Goethe B1 writing differ from A2?

At B1 level you need to write considerably longer texts (80–100 words instead of 30–40), master formal writing conventions (Sie form, formal salutation/sign-off) and express more differentiated content: stating opinions, summarising information, formulating requests. The B1 module is also modular — it can be taken separately.

What topics come up in the Goethe B1 writing exam?

Typical Goethe B1 writing topics include: complaints to companies, authorities or landlords, enquiries about courses, hotels or events, responding to a job advertisement, a report about an experience or event, a comment on an everyday topic (environment, work, school), a semi-formal invitation or cancellation.

B1 · Intermediate Level

Goethe B1 Writing Exam —
master formal letters and emails

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 marks the transition to independent language use. In the writing section you need to produce clear, structured texts for everyday situations — both formal and informal.

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Exam Overview

Goethe-Zertifikat B1 Writing Practice — AI Feedback

GoetheCoach

Writing Duration

approx. 30 minutes

Text Length

approx. 80–100 words

Pass Mark

60 out of 100 points

Modular

Yes — can be taken separately

Text Types

Formal + informal

Task Format in B1 Writing

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 has a single writing task: you write either a formal letter/email to a company, authority or institution, or an informal letter/email to a friend. The text is considerably longer than at A2 level and you must consciously choose the appropriate register (formal or informal).

Common Topics in B1 Writing

Complaints to companies, authorities or landlords
Enquiries about courses, hotels or events
Responding to a job advertisement or application
Report about an experience, trip or celebration
Comment on an everyday topic (environment, work, school)
Semi-formal invitation or cancellation
Passing on or summarising information

Assessment Criteria in B1 Writing

Task Fulfilment: Were all content points addressed? Is the text complete?
Coherence and Structure: Does the text have a clear introduction, main body and conclusion with logical transitions?
Vocabulary: Was appropriate, varied B1-level vocabulary used?
Grammar: Were more complex structures used correctly (subordinate clauses, Konjunktiv II basics, basic passive)?
Register: Is the tone consistently formal or informal — as required by the task?

Tips for the B1 Writing Exam

Learn both register templates by heart. Formal: "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, … Mit freundlichen Grüßen". Informal: "Liebe Maria, … Viele Grüße, [Name]".
Plan briefly before writing. 2 minutes of planning saves 5 minutes of revision: jot down key words for each content point.
Write in a structured way. Each content point gets 1–2 sentences. Begin each paragraph with a clear thought.
Linking words boost your score. Learn: "Außerdem, deshalb, obwohl, damit, trotzdem, allerdings" — these words signal B1 level.
Slightly exceed the word count. 100–110 words is ideal. Texts that are too short will lose points.

Why Is the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 So Important?

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is one of the most sought-after German language certificates. It is a prerequisite for German citizenship (Deutschtest für Zuwanderer / DTZ) and is required by many employers as the minimum standard for jobs involving customer contact.

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Formal letters, informal emails, all B1 topics. AI feedback based on real Goethe criteria.

Goethe B1 Writing Exam —master formal letters and emails