Why practice with ScoreUp Pro
- Mock exams in the official Goethe-Zertifikat format — the same parts, item counts and timing as the real exam
- Writing graded by AI against the official criteria, with feedback in your language
- Reading and listening scored instantly, every answer explained
- 3 exam sections free, no card needed. Practice stays free.
Ready for the real exam?
Practice with AI-graded writing tasks
Understanding Score Levels
Each module (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) is scored out of 100 points and passed independently. You need at least 60 points (60%) in each module to pass. These are the official grade bands:
Teil 1Informal Email
(~80 words · 40 points)
Informal Email
(~80 words · 40 points)Email to a Friend: Moving
You recently moved to a new city. Write an email to your friend Maria: describe how you like the new city. Explain why you moved. Suggest a way to meet up. Write about 80 words. Mind the structure (greeting, opening, the points in order, closing).
3 levels
Email to a Friend: Moving
You recently moved to a new city. Write an email to your friend Maria: describe how you like the new city. Explain why you moved. Suggest a way to meet up. Write about 80 words. Mind the structure (greeting, opening, the points in order, closing).
Task
You recently moved to a new city. Write an email to your friend Maria: describe how you like the new city. Explain why you moved. Suggest a way to meet up. Write about 80 words. Mind the structure (greeting, opening, the points in order, closing).
Sample Answer
Liebe Maria,
wie geht es dir? Ich wohne jetzt seit einem Monat in München und möchte dir erzählen, wie es mir hier gefällt.
Die Stadt ist wunderschön! Es gibt viele Parks, und besonders der Englische Garten gefällt mir. Die Menschen sind freundlich, aber etwas distanzierter als im Norden.
Ich bin umgezogen, weil ich hier eine bessere Stelle bekommen habe. Das Meer und meine alten Freunde vermisse ich trotzdem.
Hast du im Mai Zeit? Komm doch für ein Wochenende zu mir, dann zeige ich dir die Stadt!
Liebe Grüße
Sarah
Comments in the examiner's style
Task Fulfillment
All three points handled appropriately: description of the city, reason for moving (a better job), a concrete suggestion (a weekend in May). Personal, warm tone.
Coherence
Very well structured: one paragraph per point, in the order of the task. Natural transitions.
Vocabulary
Rich vocabulary: "distanzierter", "eine Stelle bekommen", "für ein Wochenende".
Grammar Structures
Error-free grammar. Complex sentences with subordinate clauses. Correct use of prepositions and tenses.
Teil 2Discussion Post
(~80 words · 40 points)
Discussion Post
(~80 words · 40 points)Opinion on Social Media
You watched a TV discussion on "social media". In the program's online guestbook, Nina writes: "Social media has improved our lives. I am in touch with my friends every day, wherever they are." Now write your opinion on the topic (about 80 words).
3 levels
Opinion on Social Media
You watched a TV discussion on "social media". In the program's online guestbook, Nina writes: "Social media has improved our lives. I am in touch with my friends every day, wherever they are." Now write your opinion on the topic (about 80 words).
Task
You watched a TV discussion on "social media". In the program's online guestbook, Nina writes: "Social media has improved our lives. I am in touch with my friends every day, wherever they are." Now write your opinion on the topic (about 80 words).
Sample Answer
Meiner Meinung nach haben soziale Medien unser Leben sowohl verbessert als auch komplizierter gemacht.
Einerseits können wir heute viel einfacher mit Freunden und Familie in Kontakt bleiben, auch wenn sie weit weg wohnen. Da hat Nina recht.
Andererseits verbringen viele Menschen zu viel Zeit auf Instagram oder TikTok. Besonders Jugendliche vergleichen sich ständig mit anderen und fühlen sich dann schlecht. Das kann zu psychischen Problemen führen.
Ich denke, es kommt darauf an, wie man soziale Medien nutzt. In Maßen sind sie nützlich, aber man sollte auch Zeit offline verbringen.
Comments in the examiner's style
Task Fulfillment
Nuanced opinion with pros and cons, referring back to Nina's post. Concrete example (teenagers). Clear conclusion.
Coherence
Excellent structure: on one hand/on the other hand. Logical argumentation with a conclusion.
Vocabulary
Rich vocabulary: "komplizierter", "in Kontakt bleiben", "psychische Probleme", "in Maßen".
Grammar Structures
Complex grammar: subordinate clauses, subjunctive, passive. Hardly any errors.
Teil 3Formal Apology Email
(~40 words · 20 points)
Formal Apology Email
(~40 words · 20 points)Apology to the Course Leader (Absence)
You attend a German course but cannot come to class next week. Write an email to your course leader, Frau Schneider: apologize politely and explain why you cannot come. Write about 40 words. Do not forget the greeting and the closing.
3 levels
Apology to the Course Leader (Absence)
You attend a German course but cannot come to class next week. Write an email to your course leader, Frau Schneider: apologize politely and explain why you cannot come. Write about 40 words. Do not forget the greeting and the closing.
Task
You attend a German course but cannot come to class next week. Write an email to your course leader, Frau Schneider: apologize politely and explain why you cannot come. Write about 40 words. Do not forget the greeting and the closing.
Sample Answer
Sehr geehrte Frau Schneider,
leider kann ich nächste Woche nicht zum Deutschkurs kommen, weil ich beruflich verreisen muss. Bitte entschuldigen Sie mein Fehlen. Könnten Sie mir sagen, welche Hausaufgaben ich nachholen soll?
Vielen Dank im Voraus.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Elena Petrova
Comments in the examiner's style
Task Fulfillment
Both requirements met: an explicit apology and the reason for the absence. Formal register with greeting and closing; the question about homework is a sensible extra.
Coherence
Clear, polite structure with greeting, request and closing.
Vocabulary
Good formal register: "beruflich verreisen", "Bitte entschuldigen Sie mein Fehlen".
Grammar Structures
Error-free grammar. Polite subjunctive form used correctly.
Apology to the Course Leader (Trip)
Your course leader, Herr Baumann, has organized a trip with the class for Saturday. You cannot come. Write Herr Baumann an email: apologize politely and explain why you cannot come. Write about 40 words. Do not forget the greeting and the closing.
3 levels
Apology to the Course Leader (Trip)
Your course leader, Herr Baumann, has organized a trip with the class for Saturday. You cannot come. Write Herr Baumann an email: apologize politely and explain why you cannot come. Write about 40 words. Do not forget the greeting and the closing.
Task
Your course leader, Herr Baumann, has organized a trip with the class for Saturday. You cannot come. Write Herr Baumann an email: apologize politely and explain why you cannot come. Write about 40 words. Do not forget the greeting and the closing.
Sample Answer
Sehr geehrter Herr Baumann,
vielen Dank für die Organisation des Ausflugs am Samstag. Leider kann ich nicht mitkommen, weil ich an diesem Tag arbeiten muss. Das tut mir sehr leid. Ich wünsche der Gruppe viel Spaß!
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Anna Weber
Comments in the examiner's style
Task Fulfillment
Both requirements met: a polite apology and a clear reason. Formal register, greeting and closing present.
Coherence
Clear structure: thanks, cancellation with reason, apology, friendly close.
Vocabulary
Good register: "Organisation des Ausflugs", "Das tut mir sehr leid".
Grammar Structures
Error-free grammar. Subordinate clause with "weil" correct.
Tips for B1 Writing
Consider register
Informal (Task 1, du) vs. formal (Task 3, Sie): Choose the right greeting and closing.
Structure
Organize your texts: introduction, main part, conclusion.
Support opinion
Always give examples and reasons for your opinion.
Word count
Tasks 1 and 2: about 80 words. Task 3: about 40 words. If you write less than half the length, the task gets 0 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 Writing test?
The Writing module has three tasks and lasts 60 minutes: Task 1 is an informal email to a friend (about 80 words, 40 points). It always covers the same three points: describe, give reasons, make a suggestion. Task 2 is a discussion post: you reply in a TV program's online guestbook with your opinion (about 80 words, 40 points, no bullet points). Task 3 is a formal email to your course leader apologizing for missing an appointment and giving the reason (about 40 words, 20 points).
How do informal and formal writing differ?
Informal (Task 1): "Liebe/r ...", "du"-form, "Liebe Grüße". Formal (Task 3): you write to a named person such as your course leader. Use "Sehr geehrte Frau .../Sehr geehrter Herr ...", the "Sie"-form and "Mit freundlichen Grüßen". "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren" does not fit here, because the person is known.
What is important in Task 2 (discussion post)?
There are no bullet points. What is graded is how you express your opinion. Refer briefly to the guestbook post, say clearly what you think, and support it with an example. Structure words like "In my opinion", "On one hand/On the other hand", "For example" help. Under 40 words or off-topic means 0 points for the whole task.
How many points do I need to pass?
Each module (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) is scored separately out of 100 points. To pass, you need at least 60 points (60%) in each module. Modules are passed separately. A strong module cannot make up for a weak one, and you can retake a failed module on its own.
How long is the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 valid?
The certificate does not officially expire. However, many universities and employers only accept proof that is no older than about two years.