telc German B2 – Written Expression (Letter)
In Written Expression you choose one of two topics and write a semi-formal or formal letter or email (around 150 words). Here are the structure, useful phrases, an example and all the assessment criteria.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You choose 1 of 2 topics and write a letter/email of around 150 words in 30 minutes.
- Usually a complaint or a request for information – cover all the given content points.
- Assessed on task fulfillment, communicative design and formal accuracy. 45 points.
Overview
Written Expression is the part of the telc B2 exam where you produce text yourself: a letter or email of around 150 words. You have 30 minutes and can earn 45 points. Unlike at B1, you choose between two topics and address the content points given in the task.
It tests whether you can handle a more demanding writing situation – usually a complaint or a request for information. At B2 you generally write formally or semi-formally: an appropriate salutation and closing, polite requests with Konjunktiv II (“Ich wäre Ihnen dankbar, wenn …”) and a clearly structured text. More important than perfect grammar is that all the content points are covered clearly, coherently and in the right register.
It is assessed by three criteria: task fulfillment (do you address all the content points?), communicative design (structure, salutation, closing, connectors) and formal accuracy (grammar and vocabulary at B2 level). The best approach is three steps: plan, write, check.
Very doable with fixed phrases and a clear structure. More demanding than at B1: a formal register, Konjunktiv II and a coherent, well-connected text are expected.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write a letter / email | Letter / email | Written Expression | 1 | 45 |
Tips & strategy
You have two topics to choose from. Read both briefly and pick the one you can say more about and have more vocabulary for.
Take two minutes: note a keyword for each content point. Then you write more fluently and forget nothing.
Every point of the task must appear – write one or two sentences on each. A missing point will cost you points.
At B2 you usually write formally: “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren”, consistent “Sie”, polite requests with Konjunktiv II. Stay consistent.
Use connectors (außerdem, daher, allerdings, da) and build a coherent text – not just a list of sentences.
Quickly check: around 150 words, all content points, formal register, salutation and closing present. Correct obvious mistakes.
Useful phrases
Learn a fixed set of phrases for the formal letter – that way you build any text quickly:
- Salutation
- Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, / Sehr geehrte Frau …, / Sehr geehrter Herr …,
- Opening
- ich wende mich an Sie, weil … / mit großem Interesse habe ich … / hiermit möchte ich mich über … beschweren.
- Polite request (Konjunktiv II)
- Ich wäre Ihnen dankbar, wenn … / Könnten Sie mir bitte mitteilen, … / Ich würde gern wissen, …
- Complaint
- Leider muss ich feststellen, dass … / Ich bin damit nicht einverstanden, weil … / Ich erwarte, dass …
- Closing
- Über eine baldige Antwort würde ich mich freuen. / Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Common task types & topics
The writing task is usually one of these situations:
- Complaint (Beschwerdebrief)
- describe a problem and demand a solution (e.g. faulty goods, poor service)
- Request for information
- ask for details about a course, offer or event
- Enquiry / claim
- enquire or make a claim and expect a response
- Letter to the editor / statement
- respond to an article or post and justify your opinion
1-week study plan
- Day1Understand format & assessment
Read this guide and look at an official practice test: what do the two topics and content points look like, and what is assessed?
- Day2Structure & useful phrases
Learn a fixed set of phrases for the formal letter: salutation, opening, polite request (Konjunktiv II), complaint, closing.
- Day3Complaint letter
Write a formal complaint with consistent “Sie” and all content points – describe the problem and demand a solution.
- Day4Request for information
Write a formal enquiry: ask politely for details and pose concrete questions with Konjunktiv II.
- Day5Connectors & Konjunktiv II
Practice connecting your text with connectors (daher, außerdem, allerdings) and forming polite requests in Konjunktiv II.
- Day6Letter under time
Choose one of two topics and write a complete letter in 30 minutes; count the words at the end (around 150).
- Day7Get feedback
Have your letter assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores task fulfillment, design and language automatically.
Are you ready?
- I choose, from two topics, the one I can say more about.
- I cover all the content points of the task with one or two sentences each.
- I write formally: appropriate salutation, consistent “Sie”, polite requests with Konjunktiv II.
- I connect my text with connectors into a coherent whole.
- I write around 150 words in 30 minutes and check them at the end.
Frequently asked questions
How many words do I have to write in Written Expression?
Around 150 words. Write a little more rather than too little – what matters is that all the content points are covered sufficiently.
Can I choose the topic?
Yes. You get two topics to choose from and write on one of them. Pick the topic you can say more about and have the right vocabulary for.
How is Written Expression assessed?
By three criteria: task fulfillment (all content points), communicative design (structure, salutation, closing, connectors) and formal accuracy (grammar, vocabulary). There are 45 points in total.
Do I write formally or informally at B2?
Usually formally or semi-formally – such as a complaint or enquiry to a company or institution. Use “Sehr geehrte …”, consistent “Sie” and polite requests with Konjunktiv II.
Which topics come up in Written Expression?
Common ones are complaints, requests for information, claims or statements – usually semi-formal to formal situations.
What’s the best way to practice Written Expression?
Write formal letters on various topics regularly and have them assessed. At Prepliq a mock scores your letter automatically against the official criteria – the PDF answer key doesn’t cover writing.
Can I use a dictionary in Written Expression?
No. No aids such as dictionaries are allowed in the telc German B2 exam.