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  1. Goethe B2/
  2. Schreiben
Goethe-Zertifikat B2

Goethe-Zertifikat B2 – Writing (Schreiben)

In the Writing module you write an argumentative forum post (Part 1) and a formal message (Part 2). Here’s the structure, useful phrases, examples and all the tips for both parts.

As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format

2
Parts
2
Tasks
100
Points
75 min
Time
60 %
to pass

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  • Detailed feedback and corrections on writing and speaking
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Key takeaways

  • Writing has 2 parts: an argumentative forum post and a formal message.
  • Part 1 is argumentative (opinion + reasons), Part 2 is formal and polite.
  • You have 75 minutes for the Writing module.

On this page

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02The parts at a glance
  3. 03Tips & strategy
  4. 04Useful phrases
  5. 05Typical tasks
  6. 061-week study plan
  7. 07Are you ready?
  8. 08Frequently asked questions
  9. 09Free practice exercises
  10. 10Useful resources
  11. 11Other exam parts

Overview

Writing is the module of the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 exam where you produce text yourself. It has two parts: in Part 1 you write an argumentative contribution to an online forum (around 150–180 words), in Part 2 a formal message or notice (around 100 words). You have 75 minutes for it.

In Part 1 you comment on a topic, give your opinion, justify it with arguments and examples and weigh things up. In Part 2 you write politely and formally, for example a request, a complaint or a notice to a person or institution.

You’re graded on whether you complete the task (all points covered, on topic?), how well your text is structured and connected (communicative design) and how correct your language is (formal accuracy). Part 1 counts more than Part 2 (about 60/40 points).

Difficultyhard

Part 1 requires real argument and weighing up at B2 level. The most common hurdle: staying superficial, mixing up the register or writing too little.

The parts at a glance

PartTask typeFocusTasksPoints
Part 1 – Forum postForum postArguing160
Part 2 – Formal messageFormal messageWriting formally140

Tips & strategy

Read the task carefully

Grasp the topic and the guide points exactly. In Part 1 you must argue and weigh up, not just state your opinion.

Outline before writing

Plan briefly: introduction, arguments (for and against), own opinion, conclusion. A clear structure earns points.

Justify and support arguments

Don’t just name arguments, justify them and give examples. Link them with “einerseits … andererseits”, “zwar … aber”.

Choose the right register

Part 1 (forum) is neutral and factual. Part 2 (formal message) is polite and formal (Sie, Sehr geehrte …).

Split your time across both parts

Plan about 50 minutes for Part 1 and 25 for Part 2. Leave time at the end to check.

Check at the end

Check structure, connectors, register and grammar. Fix obvious errors.

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Useful phrases

Learn a fixed set of phrases for both parts:

Opinion (Part 1)
Ich bin der Meinung, dass … / Meiner Ansicht nach … / Ich vertrete den Standpunkt, …
Weighing up (Part 1)
Einerseits … andererseits … / Zwar …, aber … / Ein Vorteil ist …, ein Nachteil dagegen …
Justifying & supporting
Das zeigt sich daran, dass … / Ein Beispiel dafür ist … / Aus diesem Grund …
Formal (Part 2)
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, / Ich wende mich an Sie, weil … / Ich möchte Sie bitten, … / Mit freundlichen Grüßen

Typical tasks

The writing tasks are usually these:

Forum post (Part 1)
take an argumentative stance on a topic (e.g. media, environment, work)
Formal message (Part 2)
request, complaint, enquiry or notice to a person or institution
Topics
society, education, technology, environment, the working world

1-week study plan

  1. Day
    1
    Learn the format

    Read this guide and look at the official Modellsatz: what do the forum post and the formal message look like?

  2. Day
    2
    Learn useful phrases

    Learn fixed phrases for opinion, weighing up, justifying and formal requests.

  3. Day
    3
    Part 1 – argue

    Practice outlining and arguing: introduction, arguments, opinion, conclusion.

  4. Day
    4
    Part 1 – write a forum post

    Write complete forum posts on various topics with reasons and examples.

  5. Day
    5
    Part 2 – formal message

    Practice formal messages with greeting, a clear request and the right register.

  6. Day
    6
    Both parts under time

    Work through both parts in 75 minutes and check structure, register and grammar at the end.

  7. Day
    7
    Get feedback

    Have your writing graded – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores your text automatically.

Are you ready?

  • I write a clearly structured argumentative forum post.
  • I name arguments, justify them and give examples.
  • I weigh up (“einerseits … andererseits”) and state my opinion.
  • I write a polite, formal message with a clear request.
  • I link my sentences with demanding connectors.
  • I switch confidently between factual and formal register.

Frequently asked questions

How many parts does Goethe B2 writing have?

Two parts: Part 1 (argumentative forum post, ~150–180 words) and Part 2 (formal message or notice, ~100 words).

How much do I have to write?

In Part 1 around 150–180 words, in Part 2 around 100 words. What matters is that you treat the topic fully and with arguments.

How much time do I have for writing?

The Writing module lasts 75 minutes for both parts. Plan about 50 minutes for Part 1 and 25 for Part 2.

How is writing graded?

By three criteria: task completion (content), communicative design (structure, connectors, register) and linguistic accuracy. Part 1 counts more than Part 2 (about 60/40).

Does my grammar have to be perfect?

No, but at B2 more accuracy is expected than at B1. More important than being error-free is that you argue well and structure clearly.

What’s the best way to practice writing?

Write forum posts and formal messages on various topics and have them graded. At Prepliq a mock exam scores your text automatically – because the PDF answer key does not cover writing.

Free practice exercises

Deutsche Welle – Top-Thema

Free articles as prompts and vocabulary for argumentative texts at B2.

Deutschlandfunk

Commentaries and debates as models for argument and useful phrases.

Useful resources

Goethe-Zertifikat B2 word list – learn for free

Learn 700+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat B2 words interactively with flashcards.

Official Goethe-Zertifikat B2 practice test (PDF)

Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat B2 practice test – with answers and study material.

Other exam parts

LesenHörenSprechen

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