Goethe B1 Writing Part 3 – Formal Message
In Part 3 you write a short formal message, for example an apology or a request. Here’s how to stay polite and complete.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You write a short formal message (~40 words), e.g. an apology or request.
- Write politely and formally (Sie) with greeting, request and sign-off.
What this part tests
In Part 3 you write a short formal message (around 40 words) – for example to a school, a company or an authority. Typical occasions are an apology, a refusal or a request.
What’s decisive is the formal register: a formal greeting (“Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren”), a polite request (with “Sie”) and a suitable sign-off (“Mit freundlichen Grüßen”). Despite the brevity, the occasion must be clear.
The most common losses of marks: writing too privately (“Hallo”, “du”) or not stating the request clearly. Whoever writes politely and formally and names the reason clearly solves this part reliably.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the situation and consider your request (apology, refusal, request).
- 2
Start with a formal greeting (“Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,”).
- 3
State your request clearly and politely (with “Sie”).
- 4
Give a short reason if needed.
- 5
End with a formal sign-off (“Mit freundlichen Grüßen”).
- 6
Check at the end: formal register, request clear, greeting and sign-off?
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: the task and a model answer.
Du bist krank und kannst morgen nicht zu deinem Deutschkurs kommen. Schreibe eine kurze formelle Nachricht an die Sprachschule (~40 Wörter): Entschuldige dich und bitte um die Hausaufgaben.
Model answer:
Why? The message is formal throughout (greeting, “Sie”, sign-off), names the occasion clearly (apology) and the request (homework) – exactly what Part 3 expects, in around 40 words.
Practice: test yourself
Du kannst wegen Krankheit nicht zu einem Kurs kommen und schreibst der Sprachschule.
Which greeting and sign-off fit?
Common mistakes
To a school or company you write “Sie” and “Sehr geehrte …”, not “Hallo” and “du”.
Say clearly what it’s about – apology, refusal or request.
Even a short formal message needs a greeting and sign-off.
Around 40 words are enough. Stay polite but brief.
Tips
- Learn fixed formal phrases: greeting, polite request, sign-off.
- State your request in one clear sentence.
- Stay polite but brief – about 40 words.
Frequently asked questions
How long should the formal message be?
Around 40 words. It is shorter than the other parts but must contain a greeting, the request and a sign-off.
Do I write “du” or “Sie”?
In Part 3 you write formally – so “Sie” and “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren”. The register must be consistently formal.
What are typical occasions?
An apology, a refusal or a request to a school, company or authority.
How do I get feedback on my message?
The official PDF answer key does not grade writing. At Prepliq a mock exam grades your message automatically against the official criteria.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 600+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat B1 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat B1 practice test – with answers and study material.