B2 · 7 min read

Goethe-Zertifikat B2 — The Writing Exam Explained

The B2 writing exam expects structured argumentation. This guide covers the forum post, the formal message, and B2-level grammar.

By Goethi Editorial Team — German exam coachesPublished
Short Answer

In short: what is the Goethe B2 Schreiben module?

The B2 writing exam expects structured argumentation. This guide covers the forum post, the formal message, and B2-level grammar.

What the B2 Schreiben module tests

At B2, the exam confirms you can express yourself clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, argue a position, and weigh advantages and disadvantages. The Schreiben module shifts toward more substantial, structured writing — a forum post and a formal/semi-formal message.

Structure of the B2 writing exam

The B2 writing module has two parts:

  • Teil 1 – Forumsbeitrag: An opinion piece for an online forum. Minimum 150 words, with a required introduction and conclusion.
  • Teil 2 – Nachricht: A formal or semi-formal message with a required minimum of 100 words, including proper salutation and closing.

How to answer each part

Teil 1 (forum post):

  • Address every content point precisely.
  • Include a clear introduction and conclusion — this is required, not optional.
  • Use B2-level grammar: relative clauses, passive, causal clauses, Konjunktiv II.
  • Comfortably exceed the 150-word minimum, but don't pad.

Teil 2 (formal/semi-formal message):

  • Always include a salutation and closing.
  • Present content points in a sensible order — don't just list them.
  • Keep the register consistently formal or semi-formal.
  • Meet the 100-word minimum while staying focused.

Common mistakes (based on official assessment criteria)

  • Missing the introduction or conclusion in the Teil 1 forum post.
  • Forgetting the salutation/closing in the Teil 2 formal message.
  • Underusing B2-level grammar (passive, relative clauses, Konjunktiv II).
  • Writing below the minimum word count.
  • Weak paragraph-to-paragraph flow.

Official Goethe-Institut sources

Practise your B2 writing now — free

Try the AI Writing Correction tool for instant Goethe-style feedback, or open the B2 free sample exams to practise on real task types.

FAQ — Goethe B2 writing

How long is the Goethe B2 Schreiben module?

The official Goethe-Zertifikat B2 writing module timing and word counts are set by the Goethe-Institut and are summarised in this guide. Practise with realistic prompts on the B2 free samples page.

How is the Goethe B2 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 B2 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.

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