In short: what is the Goethe A2 Schreiben module?
Learn how to pass the Goethe A2 writing exam: the informal message, the semi-formal email, and how the task-fulfillment rule works.
What the A2 Schreiben module tests
At A2, the Goethe-Zertifikat confirms you can communicate in simple, routine situations about familiar topics. The Schreiben module tests your ability to write two different types of short messages: an informal one to someone you know well, and a semi-formal one to someone you don't know personally (like a colleague's boss or an institution).
Structure of the A2 writing exam
The A2 writing module has two parts, with a total suggested time of around 30 minutes:
- Teil 1 – Persönliche Mitteilung (Personal message): An informal SMS or short message to someone you know (using "du"), reacting to a described situation. Around 20–30 words and three separate content points.
- Teil 2 – Halboffizielle Mitteilung (Semi-official message): A slightly more formal email — for example, replying to an invitation from a superior or acquaintance — again covering several specific content points.
How to answer each part
Teil 1 (informal SMS/message):
- Address all three content points — missing one zeros out the Aufgabenerfüllung criterion for the whole task.
- Use "du" form consistently.
- Greetings/closings are optional at this level, but capitalization and correct use of abbreviations still matter.
Teil 2 (semi-formal email):
- Use "Sie" form and a proper greeting/closing.
- Connect the content points into short, coherent sentences.
- Stay within the 20–30 word guide — don't pad with unrelated sentences.
Common mistakes (based on official assessment criteria)
- Missing one required content point — this alone can bring your score to zero even with correct grammar.
- Mixing "du" and "Sie" within the same message.
- Overusing abbreviations or emoticons in the informal message.
- Incorrect capitalization, which graders check closely at this level.
Official Goethe-Institut sources
Practise your A2 writing now — free
Try the AI Writing Correction tool for instant Goethe-style feedback, or open the A2 free sample exams to practise on real task types.
FAQ — Goethe A2 writing
How long is the Goethe A2 Schreiben module?
The official Goethe-Zertifikat A2 writing module timing and word counts are set by the Goethe-Institut and are summarised in this guide. Practise with realistic prompts on the A2 free samples page.
How is the Goethe A2 writing exam graded?
Examiners score task completion, communicative design, and linguistic accuracy (vocabulary, grammar, spelling). Small errors that do not block understanding are tolerated more at lower levels.
Can I get my A2 writing corrected online?
Yes — Goethi's AI Writing Correction gives you Goethe-style feedback with highlights for grammar, structure, and word choice, so you can see exactly what to fix before the exam.