Goethe C2 Writing Part 1 – Rewriting
In Part 1 you rewrite marked passages of a short referat, using given words. Here’s how to build them in correctly.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You rewrite marked passages of a short referat, using given words unchanged.
- Make all necessary grammatical transformations without changing the sense.
What this part tests
Part 1 is about linguistic flexibility: you read a short referat in which several passages are marked. Each passage has a given word that you must use unchanged. You rewrite the passage so that the word is built in correctly and the sense is preserved.
Two things are decisive: you use the given word exactly in the form given and make all necessary grammatical transformations (e.g. verb to noun, active to passive, subordinate clause to nominal phrase). The content must not change.
The most common losses of marks: building in the given word grammatically wrongly, changing the sense or leaving the transformation incomplete. Whoever rewrites flexibly and keeps the grammar clean solves this part reliably.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the marked passage and understand its exact content.
- 2
Look at the given word and its form.
- 3
Consider which transformation the word requires (noun, verb, passive …).
- 4
Rewrite the passage so that the word is built in correctly.
- 5
Check: grammar correct? sense unchanged? word used unchanged?
- 6
Write the rewritten passage on the answer sheet.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: rewrite the passage with the given word.
Originalpassage: „Sie merkten jetzt, dass Grapefruitduft aktiv macht." Vorgegebenes Wort (unverändert verwenden): „aktivierende".
Model answer:
Why? The rewriting builds in “aktivierende” correctly as an adjective (“die aktivierende Wirkung”), preserves the sense (grapefruit scent activates) and is grammatically clean – exactly what Part 1 expects.
Practice: test yourself
Im Kurzreferat steht: „Am Anfang waren Lehrer und Eltern sehr skeptisch." Du sollst die Passage mit dem vorgegebenen Wort „Skepsis" umformen.
Which rewriting is correct?
Common mistakes
The given word must stay unchanged. Adapt the rest of the sentence to the word.
The rewriting must not change the content. Check whether the statement stays the same.
A rewriting often requires case, verb or sentence-structure adjustments. Check the grammar.
Sometimes the whole sentence must be rebuilt. Don’t leave anything half-done.
Tips
- Watch the given form of the word exactly (noun, verb, adjective).
- Practice typical transformations: verb ↔ noun, active ↔ passive, subordinate clause ↔ nominal phrase.
- After rewriting, check grammar and sense.
Frequently asked questions
What do I have to do in Part 1?
Rewrite marked passages of a short referat, building in a given word unchanged, with all necessary grammatical transformations.
May I change the given word?
No. The given word must stay unchanged. You rewrite the rest of the sentence so that it fits.
May the sense change?
No. The rewriting must express the same content as the original passage.
What’s the best way to practice Part 1?
Practice typical transformations (verb ↔ noun, active ↔ passive). At Prepliq a mock exam grades your rewritings automatically.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 600+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat C2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat C2 practice test – with answers and study material.