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Goethe-Zertifikat C1 · Schreiben
Formal messageWriting formally

Goethe C1 Writing (Schreiben) Part 2 – Formal Message

In Part 2 you write a formal message, for example a complaint. Here’s how to stay polite, clear and complete.

As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format

1
Tasks
40
Points

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Key takeaways

  • You write a formal message (~100 words), e.g. a complaint to your superior.
  • Write politely and formally (Sie) with greeting, a clear concern and a sign-off.

What this part tests

In Part 2 you write a formal message (around 100 words) – for example a complaint, a request or a notice to a superior, a company or an institution. You respond to a given situation.

What’s decisive is the formal register: an appropriate greeting, a polite but firm tone (with “Sie”) and a suitable sign-off. You describe the situation objectively, present your concern clearly and formulate a concrete expectation or request.

The most common losses of marks: writing too privately or impolitely, not naming the concern clearly or not describing the situation appropriately. Whoever writes politely, clearly and appropriately solves this part reliably.

What you practice:Writing formallyPhrasing politely but firmlyPresenting the concern clearly

How to approach it

  1. 1

    Grasp the situation and your concern exactly.

  2. 2

    Start with an appropriate greeting.

  3. 3

    Describe the situation objectively and politely.

  4. 4

    Present your concern clearly and formulate a concrete expectation.

  5. 5

    End with a formal sign-off.

  6. 6

    Check register, clarity and politeness.

Example task with answer

A short example in the same format: the task and a model answer.

Aufgabe

Während Ihres Urlaubs ist Ihre Firma umgezogen. Bei Ihrer Rückkehr stellen Sie fest, dass Sie nicht mehr allein, sondern mit sechs Kolleginnen und Kollegen in einem Raum sitzen. Schreiben Sie eine Beschwerde an Ihre Vorgesetzte (~100 Wörter).

Model answer:

Answer: Sehr geehrte Frau Wagner, nach meiner Rückkehr aus dem Urlaub habe ich überrascht festgestellt, dass ich nun mit sechs Kolleginnen und Kollegen in einem Großraumbüro arbeite. Da meine Tätigkeit hohe Konzentration erfordert, fällt mir das fokussierte Arbeiten unter diesen Bedingungen deutlich schwerer. Ich möchte Sie daher bitten, eine ruhigere Lösung zu prüfen – etwa einen Einzelarbeitsplatz oder feste Rückzugszeiten. Über eine baldige Rückmeldung und ein klärendes Gespräch würde ich mich sehr freuen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Jonas Albrecht

Why? The message is formal throughout (greeting, “Sie”, sign-off), describes the situation objectively, justifies the concern (concentration) and formulates a concrete request – exactly what Part 2 expects, in around 100 words.

Practice: test yourself

Nach deinem Urlaub stellst du fest, dass du nicht mehr allein, sondern mit sechs Kolleginnen und Kollegen in einem Raum sitzt. Du schreibst eine Beschwerde an deine Vorgesetzte.

Which phrasing fits a polite, formal complaint?

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Common mistakes

1
Too private or impolite

Stay formal and polite – even in a complaint. Threats or colloquial language don’t fit.

2
Concern not clear

Say clearly what it’s about and what you expect.

3
Not describing the situation

Describe briefly and objectively what your message refers to.

4
Wrong register

Use “Sie” and formal phrasing throughout.

Tips

  • Learn fixed formal phrases: greeting, description, concern, sign-off.
  • Stay polite, but present your concern firmly.
  • Formulate a concrete expectation or request.

Frequently asked questions

How long should the formal message be?

Around 100 words. It must contain a greeting, a short description, the concern and a sign-off.

Which register is right?

A consistently formal, polite register with “Sie” – polite but firm, even in a complaint.

What are typical occasions?

A complaint, a request or a notice to a superior, company or institution.

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 with reference to the published assessment criteria.

Other parts

Part 1 – Discussion post

Useful resources

Goethe-Zertifikat C1 word list – learn for free

Learn 800+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat C1 words interactively with flashcards.

Official Goethe-Zertifikat C1 practice test (PDF)

Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat C1 practice test – with answers and study material.

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