Study realistic, exam-style sample answers for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 Writing (Schreiben). Teil 1 is an informal message; Teil 2 is a semi-formal email in the Sie-form — both about 40 words, with model examiner-style feedback.
5
Tasks
15
Samples
30
Minutes Exam
A2
Elementary
Practice with AI-graded writing tasks
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 60-point pass mark for the module.
Each module (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) is scored out of 100; A2 is passed with at least 60 of 100 points overall, plus at least 45 points in the written part and 15 in the oral part. The sample answers below illustrate the top three bands.
You planned a vacation together with your friend. Unfortunately you have to cancel. Write an informal message (du-form): Why can you not go? Suggest a new date. Write about 40 words.
You planned a vacation together with your friend. Unfortunately you have to cancel. Write an informal message (du-form): Why can you not go? Suggest a new date. Write about 40 words.
Liebe Sara,
es tut mir wirklich leid, aber ich muss unseren Urlaub im Juni absagen. Mein Chef hat mir gesagt, dass ich in dieser Woche arbeiten muss. Können wir vielleicht im August fahren? Da habe ich frei.
Viele Grüße
Maria
All task points covered: cancellation, reason, new date suggestion. Polite tone.
Clear structure with a logical build-up. Good linking of sentences.
Appropriate vocabulary: "absagen", "in dieser Woche", "frei haben".
Correct grammar. Modal verbs used correctly. Subordinate clause with "dass" correct.
You are going on vacation. Write an informal message to your neighbor: When will you be away? What should they do (e.g., water flowers, get mail)? Write about 40 words.
You are going on vacation. Write an informal message to your neighbor: When will you be away? What should they do (e.g., water flowers, get mail)? Write about 40 words.
Liebe Frau Schmidt,
ich fahre vom 15. bis 25. Juli in den Urlaub. Können Sie bitte meine Blumen gießen? Und können Sie auch meine Post aus dem Briefkasten holen? Das wäre sehr nett. Den Schlüssel lege ich unter die Fußmatte.
Vielen Dank!
Thomas
Perfect. All points answered: time frame, requests, practical information (key).
Very well structured. Logical sequence. Polite questions.
Rich and appropriate: "gießen", "Briefkasten", "Fußmatte".
Flawless grammar. Konjunktiv II correct ("Das wäre").
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. Apologise politely. Write about 40 words.
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. Apologise politely. Write about 40 words.
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? Ich möchte den Stoff nicht verpassen. Vielen Dank für Ihr Verständnis.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Elena Rossi
All points covered: polite cancellation, reason, request for the homework. Suitable formal register (Sie-form).
Clear structure with a logical order and a polite closing.
Appropriate semi-formal vocabulary: "teilnehmen", "Stoff verpassen", "Ihr Verständnis".
Error-free grammar. Subordinate clause with "weil" and polite "Könnten Sie" correct.
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 about 40 words.
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 about 40 words.
Sehr geehrter Herr Krause,
in meiner Wohnung funktioniert die Heizung seit drei Tagen nicht mehr. Es ist sehr kalt und ich kann abends kaum schlafen. Könnten Sie bitte so schnell wie möglich einen Techniker schicken? Vielen Dank im Voraus.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Marco Bianchi
All points covered: problem, time frame ("for three days"), polite request for a quick repair.
Very well structured, logical build-up, formal closing.
Suitable vocabulary: "funktioniert nicht mehr", "Techniker", "im Voraus".
Error-free grammar. "seit + dative" and polite "Könnten Sie" correct.
You are interested in a computer course at the adult education centre. 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 about 40 words.
You are interested in a computer course at the adult education centre. 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 about 40 words.
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? Außerdem möchte ich wissen, ob es noch freie Plätze gibt. Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Sofia Marin
All points covered: course choice, questions about price and dates, polite request for information.
Very well structured; indirect questions sensibly linked.
Rich formal vocabulary: "sich interessieren für", "mitteilen", "freie Plätze".
Error-free grammar. Indirect questions with "wie viel"/"ob" correct.
Read the task carefully. Answer every point in the task description.
Teil 1 is informal (du). Teil 2 needs the formal Sie-form: "Sehr geehrte...", "Könnten Sie...", "Mit freundlichen Grüßen".
Always explain why: "I cannot come because..."
Both parts should have about 40 words. Count them!
The Schreiben module has two parts and lasts 30 minutes. Teil 1 is an informal message (du-form) of about 40 words; Teil 2 is a semi-formal email in the Sie-form (for example to a teacher, landlord or course office), also about 40 words.
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 ~40-word texts and adds register: Teil 1 is an informal message, while Teil 2 must be a semi-formal email in the Sie-form.
Teil 1 (informal): cancelling plans with a friend, asking a neighbour for help, recommending a course. 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.
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.
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.
Start now with our interactive Goethe A2 writing exercises.