The Schreiben module is the most commonly failed section of the Goethe B1 exam. Many candidates who feel confident about reading and listening discover on results day that their writing score was below the 27-point threshold. The reason is almost always the same: candidates do not practice the specific format the exam requires and do not use the phrases and structures that earn marks at B1 level. This guide gives you the exact format, worked examples, and a set of high-value phrases that work across different writing prompts.
What the Goethe B1 Schreiben Module Asks You to Do
The B1 writing test has two tasks completed in 60 minutes total. Task 1 is a short notice or message (Mitteilung) of approximately 40 to 50 words. Task 2 is a semi-formal letter or email of approximately 80 to 100 words responding to a scenario with 3 to 4 required content points listed in the exam prompt. Both tasks are scored on task completion, structure and cohesion, vocabulary range, and grammatical accuracy.
Task 1: Short Notice (Mitteilung) — Format and Example
The short notice asks you to write a brief message — to a neighbour, colleague, or friend — about a specific situation. Common scenarios include: apologising for a noise disturbance, reminding someone about a shared arrangement, or passing on important information.
| Element | What to Write | Example |
| Opening | Address the recipient informally | Liebe Maria, / Lieber Thomas, |
| Main message | State the key information in 1-2 sentences | Ich kann leider heute Abend nicht kommen, weil ich krank bin. |
| Action/request | What you want them to do or know | Kannst du bitte die Hausturverschliessen? |
| Closing | Simple informal close | Viele Grusse, / Bis bald, |
| Signature | Your name | [Your first name] |
Task 2: Semi-Formal Letter/Email — Format and Example
Task 2 requires a longer response to a given scenario. The prompt lists 3 to 4 content points you must address. A common example: “You received a letter from a German language course inviting you to a cultural event. Write back. Thank them for the invitation. Explain why you cannot attend. Suggest an alternative date. Ask for more information about future events.”
| Letter Section | Phrase to Use | Purpose |
| Formal salutation | Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, / Sehr geehrte Frau [Name], | Opens formal register |
| Informal salutation | Liebe/r [Name], | For semi-formal or friendly tone |
| Reason for writing | Ich schreibe Ihnen bezuglich… / Ich mochte mich fur… bedanken. | States purpose clearly |
| Addressing content point 1 | Leider kann ich nicht teilnehmen, da ich an diesem Tag… | Explains with weil/da subordinate clause |
| Suggesting alternative | Ware es moglich, den Termin auf… zu verschieben? | Polite request with Konjunktiv II |
| Asking for information | Konnten Sie mir bitte mehr Informationen uber… schicken? | Polite question with Konjunktiv II |
| Formal close | Mit freundlichen Gruen, / Herzliche Gruse, | Correct formal ending |
30 High-Value Phrases for B1 Writing
These phrases cover the most common B1 writing scenarios. Memorising 10 to 15 of them gives you reliable building blocks for any prompt.
- Opening a letter: “Ich schreibe Ihnen, weil…” / “Ich mochte mich herzlich fur… bedanken.”
- Explaining a reason: “Da ich leider verhindert bin…” / “Weil ich an diesem Tag arbeiten muss…”
- Making a request politely: “Konnten Sie mir bitte… mitteilen?” / “Ich wurde mich freuen, wenn…”
- Suggesting something: “Wie ware es mit…?” / “Ich schlage vor, dass wir…”
- Expressing regret: “Leider ist es mir nicht moglich…” / “Es tut mir leid, aber…”
- Adding information: “Auerdem mochte ich darauf hinweisen, dass…” / “Ich mochte Sie auch daruber informieren, dass…”
- Closing formally: “Mit freundlichen Gruen” / “Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort.”
Time Management for the 60-Minute Writing Session
Task 1 should take no more than 15 minutes — it is short and has limited content requirements. Spend the remaining 45 minutes on Task 2: 5 minutes planning which content points to address and in what order, 30 minutes writing, and 10 minutes proofreading for verb position, gender agreement, and case errors. Proofreading catches the small errors that can drop an otherwise strong response by 3 to 5 marks.
Key Takeaways
- B1 Schreiben has two tasks in 60 minutes: a short notice (40-50 words) and a semi-formal letter (80-100 words).
- Always address every required content point listed in the prompt. Missing a point directly reduces your task completion score.
- Use Konjunktiv II for polite requests (konnten Sie, wurden Sie, ware es moglich) — this signals B1 competence.
- Memorise 10-15 high-value phrases that work across different prompts — greetings, reasons, requests, closings.
- Budget: 15 min for Task 1, 30 min writing Task 2, 10 min proofreading, 5 min planning.
References & Further Reading
- Goethe-Institut B1 Sample Papers (Free): https://www.goethe.de/en/spr/kup/prf/prf/gb1.html
- languagetest.in — Goethe B1 Writing Practice: https://languagetest.in
Ready to practice?