telc B2 Writing (Schriftlicher Ausdruck) – Writing a Letter
You choose one of two topics and write a formal letter or email on three of the four content points. Here’s how to build it step by step.
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Key takeaways
- Choose 1 of 2 topics and write at least 150 words on three of the four content points.
- Structure: subject line – salutation – opening – body (three points) – closing, consistently formal.
What this part tests
In this part you produce text yourself: a letter or email of at least 150 words. You get two topics to choose from – usually a complaint or a request for information – each with four content points of which you deal with three, and you have 30 minutes. It tests whether you can handle the writing situation appropriately.
Three things are decisive: you develop three of the four content points properly (task fulfillment), you build and connect the letter clearly (communicative design: subject line, salutation, opening, body, closing, connectors) and you write correct, formal B2 German (formal accuracy). There are 45 points in total.
The most common point losses: the points are only touched on instead of developed, the register is too colloquial, or the text is a bare list with no connections. Whoever commits to three points up front and uses fixed phrases with Konjunktiv II writes reliably and with enough depth.
How to approach it
- 1
Read both topics and choose the one you can say more about.
- 2
Pick three of the four content points – or two plus an angle of your own – and note two keywords for each.
- 3
Add a fitting subject line, then start with a formal salutation and a short opening (the reason for writing).
- 4
In the body, develop each chosen point over several sentences and connect them with connectors.
- 5
Close with a polite expectation and an appropriate closing formula.
- 6
Check at the end: at least 150 words, three developed points, formal register, subject line, salutation and closing?
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: the task and a model letter that develops three of the four points.
Sie haben in einem Online-Shop eine Kaffeemaschine bestellt, die beschädigt ankam. Schreiben Sie eine Beschwerde. Behandeln Sie darin entweder a) drei der folgenden Punkte oder b) zwei der folgenden Punkte und einen weiteren Aspekt Ihrer Wahl: (1) Grund Ihres Schreibens nennen. (2) Das Problem genau beschreiben. (3) Eine Lösung verlangen (Ersatz oder Rückzahlung). (4) Eine Frist setzen und um Antwort bitten. Überlegen Sie sich vor dem Schreiben eine passende Reihenfolge der Punkte, einen passenden Betreff, eine passende Anrede, Einleitung und einen passenden Schluss. Schreiben Sie mindestens 150 Wörter.
Model letter (extract):
Why? The letter takes option a) and deals with three points: the reason for writing (1), the problem (2) and the solution demanded (3). Point (4) is deliberately left out and only echoes in the closing formula – a fourth point earns nothing extra but costs time. In this extract each point is compressed; in your own text you develop each of the three over several sentences, because a single complex sentence does not count as dealing with a point. Subject line, salutation and closing formula are all present, the register is consistently formal and the request uses Konjunktiv II – exactly what’s expected at B2.
Practice: test yourself
Du schreibst eine formelle Beschwerde an ein Online-Geschäft über eine beschädigte Lieferung.
Which salutation and closing fit best?
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Common mistakes
Four points skimmed are weaker than three developed. Top marks need three points dealt with properly – and a single sentence does not count as dealing with one.
At B2 a formal register is expected. Avoid “Hallo”, “cool” or abbreviations and use Konjunktiv II for requests.
A good text is connected. Use connectors (daher, außerdem, allerdings) instead of stringing sentences together.
Without a subject line, salutation, opening and closing you lose points on design. Keep the structure.
Tips
- Plan before writing – two minutes on the content points save you time and mistakes.
- Learn a set of formal phrases with Konjunktiv II by heart (Ich wäre Ihnen dankbar, wenn …).
- Count the words roughly at the end and check that your three points are genuinely developed.
Frequently asked questions
How long should the letter be?
At least 150 words. More important than the exact number is that your three points are developed sufficiently.
How many content points do I have to cover?
Three – and this is the biggest time saver in this part of the exam. The task asks for three of the four points, or two of them plus a further aspect of your own choosing. Top marks for task fulfillment need exactly three points dealt with properly; a fourth adds nothing but costs you time and depth. An angle of your own is explicitly provided for and shows you have got to grips with the topic – it is not a fallback.
How formal do I have to write?
Usually formally: “Sehr geehrte …”, consistent “Sie” and polite requests with Konjunktiv II. Avoid colloquial language and abbreviations.
How do I get feedback on my letter?
The official PDF answer key doesn’t assess writing. At Prepliq a mock scores your letter automatically with reference to the published assessment criteria – task fulfillment, communicative design and formal accuracy.
Useful resources
Learn 700+ of the most important telc German B2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official telc German B2 practice test – with answers and study material.
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