In short: what is the Goethe B1 Schreiben module?
The Goethe B1 writing exam has three parts. This guide covers structure, connectors, register, and how the 60% pass mark works.
What the B1 Schreiben module tests
The B1 exam confirms independent language use — being able to handle most everyday situations. The Schreiben module has three parts and moves beyond simple messages into expressing opinions and handling more socially nuanced writing tasks (like requests or complaints).
Structure of the B1 writing exam
The writing module has three parts:
- Teil 1 – Persönliche Mitteilung zur Kontaktpflege: An informal message responding to a personal situation.
- Teil 2 – Persönliche Meinung äußern: A short forum-style piece where you state and support your opinion.
- Teil 3 – Persönliche Mitteilung zur Handlungsregulierung: A message asking someone to do something, or responding to a request — often semi-formal.
The B1 exam is scored out of 100 points per module, with a 60% pass threshold, and results come from two independent examiner assessments.
How to answer each part
Teil 1 (personal message):
- Keep a natural, informal tone — this part checks interactional writing.
- React to every element of the situation, not just the main one.
Teil 2 (opinion piece):
- State your opinion clearly early on, then support it.
- Use basic connecting words (deshalb, außerdem, trotzdem, weil) — coherence is a separate grading dimension.
- Briefly explain your reasoning for at least one point.
Teil 3 (request/action message):
- Be clear and specific about what you want the other person to do.
- Match your tone (formal vs. informal) to who you're addressing.
Common mistakes (based on official assessment criteria)
- Weak linkage between sentences and paragraphs.
- Vague or generic opinions in Teil 2 that don't clearly commit to a position.
- Wrong register/formality level for the described relationship.
- Running out of time on the timed continuous block.
Official Goethe-Institut sources
Practise your B1 writing now — free
Try the AI Writing Correction tool for instant Goethe-style feedback, or open the B1 free sample exams to practise on real task types.
FAQ — Goethe B1 writing
How long is the Goethe B1 Schreiben module?
The official Goethe-Zertifikat B1 writing module timing and word counts are set by the Goethe-Institut and are summarised in this guide. Practise with realistic prompts on the B1 free samples page.
How is the Goethe B1 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 B1 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.