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Understanding Score Levels
The Writing module is scored out of 100 points; you pass from 60% (60 points).
Meets all requirements at a high level; differentiated argumentation, minimal errors.
Meets most requirements; minor errors do not affect understanding.
Meets the requirements for the most part; several errors do not yet affect understanding.
Just passes: meets the minimum requirements. Below 60% the module is not passed.
Teil 1Discussion Post
(~230 words)
Discussion Post
(~230 words)Discussion Post: Digital Media in the Classroom
For the internet forum "Schule & Zukunft" you write a discussion post on this topic: Digital media in the classroom – are tablets and learning platforms a gain for education? • Describe the advantages of digital media in the classroom. • Name possible risks. • Explain your own position using an example. • Make a proposal for their sensible use. Write about 230 words.
3 levels
Discussion Post: Digital Media in the Classroom
For the internet forum "Schule & Zukunft" you write a discussion post on this topic: Digital media in the classroom – are tablets and learning platforms a gain for education? • Describe the advantages of digital media in the classroom. • Name possible risks. • Explain your own position using an example. • Make a proposal for their sensible use. Write about 230 words.
Task
For the internet forum "Schule & Zukunft" you write a discussion post on this topic: Digital media in the classroom – are tablets and learning platforms a gain for education? • Describe the advantages of digital media in the classroom. • Name possible risks. • Explain your own position using an example. • Make a proposal for their sensible use. Write about 230 words.
Sample Answer
Die Frage, ob digitale Medien in den Unterricht gehören, wird derzeit intensiv diskutiert – zu Recht, denn sie betrifft die Zukunft unserer Bildung. Im Folgenden möchte ich die wichtigsten Aspekte abwägen und einen Vorschlag zur Diskussion stellen.
Die Vorteile liegen auf der Hand: Lernende können in ihrem eigenen Tempo arbeiten, interaktive Materialien fördern das Verständnis komplexer Sachverhalte, und der souveräne Umgang mit digitalen Werkzeugen bereitet auf die heutige Arbeitswelt vor. Zudem lassen sich aktuelle Materialien ohne großen Aufwand einbinden, was den Unterricht lebendiger macht.
Gleichwohl dürfen die Risiken nicht unterschätzt werden. Ständige Bildschirmzeit kann die Konzentration beeinträchtigen, und wer überwiegend allein am Tablet lernt, dem fehlt der direkte Austausch mit anderen. Hinzu kommt, dass nicht alle Familien über die nötige technische Ausstattung verfügen, was bestehende Ungleichheiten verschärfen kann.
Meines Erachtens sollten digitale Medien durchaus eingesetzt werden, allerdings mit Bedacht und klarem pädagogischen Konzept. Aus meiner eigenen Schulzeit weiß ich, wie motivierend gut gemachte Lernprogramme sein können – und wie schnell sie zur Ablenkung werden, wenn die Begleitung fehlt.
Ich schlage deshalb vor, Lehrkräfte gezielt fortzubilden und digitale Formate stets mit analogen Lernformen zu verbinden. Die Technologie sollte als Werkzeug dienen, nicht als Ersatz für guten Unterricht. Zusammenfassend plädiere ich für einen ausgewogenen Ansatz, der die Chancen nutzt, ohne die Risiken aus dem Blick zu verlieren.
Examiner-Style Feedback
A–E = official rating bands per criterion (A = full marks)
Task Fulfillment
A: Excellent, all four content points covered in a differentiated way, with a clear position and a concrete proposal.
Coherence
A: Excellent text structure with clear organization and elegant transitions between the content points.
Vocabulary
A: High-register vocabulary: "souverän", "gleichwohl", "mit Bedacht", "plädiere", "verschärfen".
Grammar Structures
A: Complex, error-free grammar. Varied sentence structures, relative clauses, subjunctive.
Teil 2Semi-formal E-mail
(~120 words)
Semi-formal E-mail
(~120 words)Semi-formal E-mail: Complaint (Task 2)
Your company has announced that the staff canteen will close from next month. Instead, snack machines will be set up in the entrance area. Write a complaint to the head of HR, Mr Brandt. • First respond to the company's announcement. • Describe what the closure means for you and your team. • Explain what you do not want to give up when eating at your workplace. • Suggest a different solution. Write about 120 words.
3 levels
Semi-formal E-mail: Complaint (Task 2)
Your company has announced that the staff canteen will close from next month. Instead, snack machines will be set up in the entrance area. Write a complaint to the head of HR, Mr Brandt. • First respond to the company's announcement. • Describe what the closure means for you and your team. • Explain what you do not want to give up when eating at your workplace. • Suggest a different solution. Write about 120 words.
Task
Your company has announced that the staff canteen will close from next month. Instead, snack machines will be set up in the entrance area. Write a complaint to the head of HR, Mr Brandt. • First respond to the company's announcement. • Describe what the closure means for you and your team. • Explain what you do not want to give up when eating at your workplace. • Suggest a different solution. Write about 120 words.
Sample Answer
Sehr geehrter Herr Brandt,
mit Bedauern habe ich die Mitteilung gelesen, dass unsere Kantine ab dem nächsten Monat schließen soll. Ich kann nachvollziehen, dass der Betrieb hohe Kosten verursacht, möchte Ihnen aber die Folgen dieser Entscheidung schildern.
Viele von uns arbeiten im Schichtdienst und haben nur eine kurze Pause. Ein Restaurant gibt es in der Nähe nicht, und Snacks aus dem Automaten ersetzen keine warme Mahlzeit. Gerade für die Kolleginnen und Kollegen in der Produktion ist ein ausgewogenes Mittagessen wichtig.
Wäre es denkbar, die Kantine mit einem kleineren Angebot weiterzuführen, etwa mit nur einem Tagesgericht? Alternativ könnte ein Lieferdienst feste Mittagsmenüs anbieten.
Über eine Rückmeldung würde ich mich sehr freuen.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Maria López
Examiner-Style Feedback
A–E = official rating bands per criterion (A = full marks)
Task Fulfillment
A: All four points handled precisely: a reply to the announcement that shows understanding, concrete consequences, a clear concern, two realistic alternatives.
Coherence
A: Clear progression from the announcement through the consequences to the proposal; well linked ("gerade", "alternativ").
Vocabulary
A: Precise, polite but firm: "mit Bedauern", "nachvollziehen", "schildern", "ausgewogen".
Grammar Structures
A: Complex, error-free structures; subjunctive II for the proposal ("Wäre es denkbar …").
Tips for C1 Writing
Take a Clear Position
State your position clearly and support it with examples.
Clear Structure
Organize into introduction, arguments and conclusion; address all guiding points.
Register
For Task 2: a semi-formal register for the e-mail; subjunctive II for polite requests ("Ich wäre Ihnen dankbar, wenn ...").
Word Count
Task 1: about 230 words, Task 2: about 120 words. Well under the count = point deductions!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 Writing test?
The Writing module has two tasks and lasts 75 minutes. Task 1 (approx. 50 min): a discussion post on a topic with four given content points (about 230 words). Task 2 (approx. 25 min): a semi-formal e-mail of about 120 words to a named person, again with four content points — in the published sample exam it is a complaint, but in your exam the type of message can be different. Since 2024 C1 is modular — there is no "summarize a text" task and no chart description.
How do I write a good argumentative text?
Take a clear position and structure your text: introduction, arguments with examples (pros and cons) and a conclusion. Address all the guiding points. Useful phrases: "On the one hand … on the other hand …", "A further argument is …", "In conclusion …".
What is expected at C1 level?
Complex sentence structures, differentiated vocabulary, clear argumentation with examples, correct formal register, minimal grammatical errors, fluent writing style.
How many points do I need to pass?
Each module (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) is scored out of 100 points and must be passed separately with at least 60 points (60%); a weak module cannot be compensated by another. Grade bands: sehr gut 90–100, gut 80–89, befriedigend 70–79, ausreichend 60–69, and below 60 is a fail. You can take each module individually and only need to retake the one you failed.
How long is the certificate valid?
The Goethe certificate does not officially expire. However, many universities, authorities and employers expect a certificate issued within roughly the last two years — check the requirements of the specific institution.