Goethe-Zertifikat A1 – Writing (Schreiben)
In the Writing module you fill in a form (Part 1) and write a short personal message (Part 2). Here are the structure, examples and all the tips for both parts.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- Writing has 2 parts: fill in a form (5 fields) and write a short message.
- In Part 2 you write around 3 sentences on three guide points – cover all three.
- You have around 20 minutes for the Writing module.
Overview
Writing is the module of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 exam where you produce text yourself. It has two parts: in Part 1 you fill in a form (five missing pieces of information), in Part 2 you write a short personal message – for example a text message or a short note. You have around 20 minutes for it.
In Part 1 you read a short text about a person and transfer the information into the form (e.g. name, place of birth, phone number). Here it matters that you write the right information in the right place.
In Part 2 you write a short message about a situation with three guide points. You have to cover all three points – one short sentence each is enough. What matters is an appropriate salutation, a short closing and simple, understandable sentences. Perfect grammar is not necessary.
Very doable with a little practice. The most common hurdle in Part 2: not covering all three guide points, or forgetting the salutation and closing.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Form | Form | Transferring details | 5 | 5 |
| Part 2 – Message | Message | Writing a short message | 1 | 10 |
Tips & strategy
Read the text carefully and write the right information in the right field. Watch numbers like postcode and phone number.
In the message you must address all three points – one short sentence each is enough. A missing point costs you points.
Start with a salutation (“Hallo …” / “Liebe/r …”) and end with a closing (“Viele Grüße”). That’s part of the message.
Write short, simple sentences. Understandable is more important than complicated – perfect grammar is not expected at A1.
To friends you write “du” and “Hallo”. The situation tells you who you’re writing to.
Quickly check: in Part 1, are all fields filled in? In Part 2, do you have all three guide points, a salutation and a closing?
Useful phrases for the message
Learn a few fixed phrases – that way you write any A1 message quickly:
- Salutation
- Hallo …, / Liebe/r …,
- Opening
- wie geht es dir? / vielen Dank für deine Nachricht. / ich schreibe dir, weil …
- Request & suggestion
- Kannst du bitte …? / Wollen wir …? / Hast du am … Zeit?
- Apology
- Leider kann ich nicht … / Es tut mir leid, aber …
- Closing
- Viele Grüße / Liebe Grüße / Bis bald
Typical situations (Part 2)
The message is usually one of these simple situations:
- Arrangement
- suggest or cancel an appointment
- Invitation
- invite someone or reply
- Request
- ask for something (e.g. to bring something)
- Information
- give or ask for a short piece of information
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and look at the official Modellsatz: what do the form and the message look like?
- Day2Part 1 – form
Practice filling in forms: read a short text about a person and transfer the details.
- Day3Learn useful phrases
Learn a few fixed phrases for salutation, request and closing for the message.
- Day4Part 2 – message
Write short messages for various situations and always cover all three guide points.
- Day5Practice situations
Practice various situations: arrangement, invitation, request, cancellation.
- Day6Both parts under time
Work through the form and message in around 20 minutes and check at the end that everything is complete.
- Day7Get feedback
Have your writing assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores the message automatically.
Are you ready?
- I transfer information from a text into a form correctly.
- I write a short message with a salutation and closing.
- I cover all three guide points in the message.
- I know simple phrases for request, invitation and cancellation.
- I write simple, understandable sentences at A1 level.
Frequently asked questions
How many parts does Goethe A1 writing have?
Two parts: Part 1 (fill in a form, five pieces of information) and Part 2 (write a short personal message with three guide points).
How much do I have to write in Part 2?
Only a short message – around three sentences, one per guide point, plus a salutation and closing. What matters is that all three points appear.
How much time do I have for writing?
The Writing module lasts around 20 minutes.
How is writing assessed?
In Part 1 it matters that the details are correct in the form. In Part 2 it matters that you cover all three guide points and write an understandable message with a salutation and closing.
Does my grammar have to be perfect?
No. At A1 what counts is that you’re understood. Write simple, short sentences and cover all the guide points.
What’s the best way to practice writing?
Practice filling in forms and write short messages for various situations. At Prepliq a mock scores your message automatically – the PDF answer key doesn’t cover writing.