Goethe A2 Writing Samples
Study realistic, exam-style sample answers for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 Writing (Schreiben). Teil 1 is an SMS to a friend (20–30 words); Teil 2 is a semi-official email in the Sie-form (30–40 words) — with comments in the examiner's style.
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Understanding score levels
Task fully achieved, clear communication, essentially error-free.
Most requirements met; minor errors do not affect understanding.
Basic requirements met; some errors, but the message is clear.
Just enough to pass; noticeable errors, but communication still works.
Below the pass mark: under 60 of 100 points for the whole exam, or under 45/75 in the written part or under 15/25 in Speaking.
Each module (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) is worth up to 25 points, 100 in total. A2 is passed with at least 60 of 100 points overall, including at least 45 of 75 in the written part (Reading, Listening, Writing) and 15 of 25 in Speaking. The sample answers below illustrate the top three bands.
Teil 1Text message (SMS) to a friend (20–30 words)
(2 tasks)
Text message (SMS) to a friend (20–30 words)
(2 tasks)SMS: Canceling a trip
You planned a trip in June together with your friend Sara. Unfortunately you have to cancel. Write Sara an SMS: cancel the trip. Why can you not go? Suggest a new date. Write 20–30 words.
3 levels
SMS: Canceling a trip
You planned a trip in June together with your friend Sara. Unfortunately you have to cancel. Write Sara an SMS: cancel the trip. Why can you not go? Suggest a new date. Write 20–30 words.
Task
You planned a trip in June together with your friend Sara. Unfortunately you have to cancel. Write Sara an SMS: cancel the trip. Why can you not go? Suggest a new date. Write 20–30 words.
Sample Answer
Liebe Sara,
es tut mir leid, aber ich muss unseren Urlaub im Juni absagen. Mein Chef sagt, ich muss dann arbeiten. Können wir im August fahren?
Viele Grüße
Maria
Comments in the examiner's style
Task Fulfillment
All task points covered: cancellation, reason, new date suggestion. Polite tone.
Coherence
Clear structure with a logical build-up. Good linking of sentences.
Vocabulary
Appropriate vocabulary: "absagen", "es tut mir leid", "im August".
Grammar Structures
Correct grammar. Modal verbs used correctly, question formed correctly.
SMS: Asking a Friend for Help
You are going on vacation. Your friend Jonas lives nearby. Write him an SMS: When will you be away? What should he do (e.g. water the flowers, pick up the mail)? Where is the key? Write 20–30 words.
3 levels
SMS: Asking a Friend for Help
You are going on vacation. Your friend Jonas lives nearby. Write him an SMS: When will you be away? What should he do (e.g. water the flowers, pick up the mail)? Where is the key? Write 20–30 words.
Task
You are going on vacation. Your friend Jonas lives nearby. Write him an SMS: When will you be away? What should he do (e.g. water the flowers, pick up the mail)? Where is the key? Write 20–30 words.
Sample Answer
Hallo Jonas,
ich bin vom 15. bis 25. Juli im Urlaub. Kannst du bitte meine Blumen gießen und die Post holen? Der Schlüssel liegt unter der Fußmatte.
Danke dir!
Thomas
Comments in the examiner's style
Task Fulfillment
All three points answered: time frame, requests, key. Appropriate du-register.
Coherence
Very well structured. Logical sequence. Polite question.
Vocabulary
Appropriate and concrete: "gießen", "Post holen", "Fußmatte".
Grammar Structures
Flawless grammar. Modal-verb question with two infinitives is correct.
Teil 2Semi-formal email (Sie-form, 30–40 words)
(3 tasks)
Semi-formal email (Sie-form, 30–40 words)
(3 tasks)Email to the Teacher
You cannot attend your German course next week. Write an email to your teacher Ms. Wagner (formal Sie-form): Why can you not come? Ask for the homework. Apologize politely. Write 30–40 words.
3 levels
Email to the Teacher
You cannot attend your German course next week. Write an email to your teacher Ms. Wagner (formal Sie-form): Why can you not come? Ask for the homework. Apologize politely. Write 30–40 words.
Task
You cannot attend your German course next week. Write an email to your teacher Ms. Wagner (formal Sie-form): Why can you not come? Ask for the homework. Apologize politely. Write 30–40 words.
Sample Answer
Sehr geehrte Frau Wagner,
leider kann ich nächste Woche nicht am Deutschkurs teilnehmen, weil ich beruflich verreisen muss. Könnten Sie mir bitte die Hausaufgaben per E-Mail schicken? Vielen Dank für Ihr Verständnis.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Elena Rossi
Comments in the examiner's style
Task Fulfillment
All points covered: polite cancellation, reason, request for the homework. Suitable formal register (Sie-form).
Coherence
Clear structure with a logical order and a polite closing.
Vocabulary
Appropriate semi-formal vocabulary: "teilnehmen", "beruflich verreisen", "Ihr Verständnis".
Grammar Structures
Error-free grammar. Subordinate clause with "weil" and polite "Könnten Sie" correct.
Email to the Landlord
The heating in your apartment is broken. Write an email to your landlord, Mr. Krause (formal Sie-form): What is the problem? Since when? Ask for a quick repair. Write 30–40 words.
3 levels
Email to the Landlord
The heating in your apartment is broken. Write an email to your landlord, Mr. Krause (formal Sie-form): What is the problem? Since when? Ask for a quick repair. Write 30–40 words.
Task
The heating in your apartment is broken. Write an email to your landlord, Mr. Krause (formal Sie-form): What is the problem? Since when? Ask for a quick repair. Write 30–40 words.
Sample Answer
Sehr geehrter Herr Krause,
in meiner Wohnung funktioniert die Heizung seit drei Tagen nicht mehr. Es ist sehr kalt. Könnten Sie bitte so schnell wie möglich einen Techniker schicken? Vielen Dank im Voraus.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Marco Bianchi
Comments in the examiner's style
Task Fulfillment
All points covered: problem, time frame ("for three days"), polite request for a quick repair.
Coherence
Very well structured, logical build-up, formal closing.
Vocabulary
Suitable vocabulary: "funktioniert nicht mehr", "Techniker", "im Voraus".
Grammar Structures
Error-free grammar. "seit + dative" and polite "Könnten Sie" correct.
Email to the Course Office
You are interested in a computer course at the adult education center (Volkshochschule). Write an email to the office (formal Sie-form): Which course are you interested in? What do you want to know (price, dates)? Ask for information. Write 30–40 words.
3 levels
Email to the Course Office
You are interested in a computer course at the adult education center (Volkshochschule). Write an email to the office (formal Sie-form): Which course are you interested in? What do you want to know (price, dates)? Ask for information. Write 30–40 words.
Task
You are interested in a computer course at the adult education center (Volkshochschule). Write an email to the office (formal Sie-form): Which course are you interested in? What do you want to know (price, dates)? Ask for information. Write 30–40 words.
Sample Answer
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
ich interessiere mich für Ihren Computerkurs für Anfänger. Könnten Sie mir bitte mitteilen, wie viel der Kurs kostet und wann er beginnt? Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Sofia Marin
Comments in the examiner's style
Task Fulfillment
All points covered: course choice, questions about price and dates, polite request for information.
Coherence
Very well structured; indirect questions sensibly linked.
Vocabulary
Rich formal vocabulary: "sich interessieren für", "mitteilen", "wie viel … kostet".
Grammar Structures
Error-free grammar. Indirect questions with "wie viel"/"ob" correct.
Tips for A2 Writing
Answer all points
Read the task carefully. Answer every point in the task description.
Right register
Teil 1 is informal (du). Teil 2 needs the formal Sie-form: "Sehr geehrte …", "Könnten Sie …", "Mit freundlichen Grüßen".
Give reasons
Always explain why: "I cannot come because …"
Mind the word count
SMS: 20–30 words, email: 30–40 words. Count them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 Writing (Schreiben) test?
The Schreiben module has two parts and lasts 30 minutes. Teil 1 is an SMS to a friend (du-form, 20–30 words); Teil 2 is a semi-official email in the Sie-form (for example to a teacher, landlord or course office, 30–40 words). Both tasks list exactly three points to cover.
How does A2 differ from A1 Writing?
A1 Writing asks you to fill in a form (Teil 1) and write a short note of about 30 words (Teil 2). A2 has two texts: a text message (20–30 words) and an email (30–40 words). It also adds register: Teil 1 is informal (du), while Teil 2 must be a semi-official email in the Sie-form.
What topics appear in A2?
Teil 1 (informal, SMS): canceling plans with a friend, asking a friend for help, running late. Teil 2 (semi-formal, Sie-form): emailing a teacher about a missed class, reporting a problem to your landlord, or requesting information from a course office.
How many points do I need to pass?
Each of the two writing tasks is worth 10 points (20 points raw, weighted to 25 of the exam's 100 points). To pass A2 you need at least 60 out of 100 points overall, and additionally at least 45 points in the written part and at least 15 points in the oral part.
How long is the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 valid?
The certificate itself never expires. However, many universities, employers and authorities only accept a certificate issued within roughly the last two years, so check the specific requirement before you rely on an older result.