Goethe B1 Writing Samples
Study realistic, exam-style sample answers for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 Writing module. Personal letters, opinion posts and semi-formal messages.
4
Tasks
12
Samples
60
Minutes Exam
B1
Intermediate
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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 1Personal Letter
(~80 words)
Personal Letter
(~80 words)Letter to Friend about Moving
You recently moved to a new city. Write a personal letter to a friend: How do you like the new city? What is different from your old city? What do you miss? Write about 80 words.
3 levels
Letter to Friend about Moving
You recently moved to a new city. Write a personal letter to a friend: How do you like the new city? What is different from your old city? What do you miss? Write about 80 words.
Task
You recently moved to a new city. Write a personal letter to a friend: How do you like the new city? What is different from your old city? What do you miss? Write about 80 words.
Sample Answer
Liebe Maria,
wie geht es dir? Ich wohne jetzt schon seit einem Monat in München und möchte dir erzählen, wie es mir hier gefällt.
Die Stadt ist wunderschön! Es gibt so viele Parks und kulturelle Angebote. Besonders der Englische Garten gefällt mir sehr. Was mir hier fehlt, ist das Meer - in Hamburg konnte ich jeden Tag am Wasser spazieren gehen. Auch meine alten Freunde vermisse ich natürlich sehr, besonders unsere Kaffeenachmittage.
Die Menschen hier sind freundlich, aber etwas distanzierter als im Norden. Das Wetter ist auch anders - es regnet weniger, dafür ist es im Winter kälter.
Wann besuchst du mich mal?
Liebe Grüße
Sarah
Examiner-style Comments
Task Fulfillment
All points answered in detail: how the city is liked, the differences, what is missed. Personal, warm tone.
Coherence
Very well structured with a clear sequence. Natural transitions between topics.
Vocabulary
Rich vocabulary: "kulturelle Angebote", "distanzierter", "Kaffeenachmittage".
Grammar Structures
Error-free grammar. Complex sentences with subordinate clauses. Correct use of prepositions and tenses.
Teil 2Forum Opinion Post
(~80 words)
Forum Opinion Post
(~80 words)Opinion on Social Media
In an online forum people discuss: "Social media has improved our lives." Write your forum comment: Do you agree or not? Support your opinion with examples. Write about 80 words.
3 levels
Opinion on Social Media
In an online forum people discuss: "Social media has improved our lives." Write your forum comment: Do you agree or not? Support your opinion with examples. Write about 80 words.
Task
In an online forum people discuss: "Social media has improved our lives." Write your forum comment: Do you agree or not? Support your opinion with examples. Write 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. Meine Großeltern können jetzt Fotos von ihren Enkeln sehen, obwohl sie in einem anderen Land leben. Das war früher nicht möglich.
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.
Examiner-style Comments
Task Fulfillment
Nuanced opinion with pros and cons. Concrete examples (grandparents, 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 3Semi-formal Message
(~40 words)
Semi-formal Message
(~40 words)Message to Course Leader (Absence)
You attend a German course but cannot come to class next week. Write a semi-formal email to your course leader, Frau Schneider: explain why you will be absent and ask what you need to catch up. Write about 40 words.
3 levels
Message to Course Leader (Absence)
You attend a German course but cannot come to class next week. Write a semi-formal email to your course leader, Frau Schneider: explain why you will be absent and ask what you need to catch up. Write about 40 words.
Task
You attend a German course but cannot come to class next week. Write a semi-formal email to your course leader, Frau Schneider: explain why you will be absent and ask what you need to catch up. Write about 40 words.
Sample Answer
Liebe Frau Schneider,
leider kann ich nächste Woche nicht zum Deutschkurs kommen, weil ich beruflich verreisen muss. Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, welche Themen wir behandeln und welche Hausaufgaben ich nachholen soll?
Vielen Dank im Voraus.
Herzliche Grüße
Elena Petrova
Examiner-style Comments
Task Fulfillment
All points covered: reason for the absence given, and a polite request about content and homework. Appropriate semi-formal register.
Coherence
Clear, polite structure with greeting, request and closing.
Vocabulary
Good semi-formal register: "beruflich verreisen", "Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen".
Grammar Structures
Error-free grammar. Polite subjunctive form used correctly.
Message to Course Leader (Materials)
A new chapter is starting soon in your language course. Write a semi-formal email to your course leader, Herr Baumann: ask which book or materials you need and whether you should prepare anything. Write about 40 words.
3 levels
Message to Course Leader (Materials)
A new chapter is starting soon in your language course. Write a semi-formal email to your course leader, Herr Baumann: ask which book or materials you need and whether you should prepare anything. Write about 40 words.
Task
A new chapter is starting soon in your language course. Write a semi-formal email to your course leader, Herr Baumann: ask which book or materials you need and whether you should prepare anything. Write about 40 words.
Sample Answer
Lieber Herr Baumann,
bald beginnen wir ja ein neues Kapitel. Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, welches Buch ich dafür brauche? Und soll ich schon etwas zu Hause vorbereiten?
Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.
Herzliche Grüße
Anna Weber
Examiner-style Comments
Task Fulfillment
Both points covered: asked about the book/materials and about preparation. Polite semi-formal register.
Coherence
Clear structure with a friendly greeting and closing.
Vocabulary
Good register: "Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen", "vorbereiten".
Grammar Structures
Error-free grammar. Subjunctive correct.
Tips for B1 Writing
Consider register
Informal (Part 1) vs. semi-formal (Part 3): 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
Part 1 & 2: ~80 words, Part 3: ~40 words. Not much less!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 Writing test?
The Writing module has three parts: Part 1 is an informal personal letter/email (~80 words), Part 2 is a forum/comment post giving your opinion (~80 words), Part 3 is a short semi-formal message to a known person such as a course leader (~40 words). You have 60 minutes.
How do informal and semi-formal writing differ?
Informal (Teil 1): "Liebe/r...", "du"-form, "Liebe Grüße". Semi-formal (Teil 3): you write to someone you know, such as a course leader - use "Liebe Frau .../Lieber Herr ...", the polite "Sie"-form and "Viele/Herzliche Grüße". Fully formal openings like "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren" are more typical of higher levels.
What is important in Part 2 (opinion post)?
You must clearly state your opinion and support it with examples. Structure words like "In my opinion", "On one hand/On the other hand", "For example" help with organization.
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 independently - a weak module cannot be compensated by another, 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.
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