telc German C1 – Written Expression
In Written Expression you choose one of two topics and write a structured, argumentative text (around 250 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 structured text of around 250 words in 70 minutes.
- Usually a statement/argumentative essay: introduce the topic, weigh arguments, justify your opinion, conclude.
- Assessed on task fulfillment, communicative design and accuracy. 48 points.
Overview
Written Expression is the part of the telc C1 exam where you produce a longer text yourself. You choose between two topics and write a coherent, well-structured text of around 250 words. You have 70 minutes and can earn 48 points.
It tests whether you can deal with a demanding topic in writing – usually a statement or argumentative essay on a thesis, a question or a short prompt. At C1 you should introduce the topic, weigh arguments (advantages and disadvantages, different viewpoints), justify your own opinion and draw a conclusion. A clear structure, precise vocabulary and correct, formal German are important.
It is assessed by three criteria: task fulfillment (do you treat the topic fully and in a differentiated way?), communicative design (clear structure, connectors, a thread) and accuracy (grammar, vocabulary, register at C1 level). Work in three steps: plan, write, check.
Very doable with a clear structure and fixed phrases. Demanding are differentiated argumentation, precise vocabulary and a consistently formal register.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write a structured text | Statement / essay | Written Expression | 1 | 48 |
Tips & strategy
You have two topics to choose from. Read both briefly and pick the one you have more arguments and vocabulary for.
Take five minutes: collect arguments for and against, order them and plan the introduction, body and conclusion. Then you write in a structured way.
Introduction (topic and thesis) – body (weigh arguments) – conclusion (your opinion, summary). A clear structure is half the battle.
Weigh up: einerseits/andererseits, advantages and disadvantages, different viewpoints. Justify your opinion and use examples.
Use demanding connectors (zudem, allerdings, folglich, gleichwohl) and precise vocabulary – not just “und” and “aber”.
Quickly check: around 250 words, clear structure, all task parts covered, formal register, correct grammar. Correct obvious mistakes.
Useful phrases
Learn a fixed set of phrases for the statement/essay:
- Introduction
- In letzter Zeit wird häufig diskutiert, ob … / Die Frage, ob …, ist umstritten.
- Introducing arguments
- Ein wichtiges Argument ist … / Dafür/Dagegen spricht, dass … / Hinzu kommt, dass …
- Weighing up
- Einerseits … andererseits … / Zwar …, aber … / Im Vergleich dazu …
- Your opinion
- Meiner Ansicht nach … / Ich bin überzeugt, dass … / Aus meiner Sicht überwiegt …
- Conclusion
- Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass … / Abschließend bleibt festzuhalten, dass …
Common task types & topics
The writing task is usually one of these forms:
- Statement / essay
- discuss and justify a thesis or question (e.g. on society, education, technology)
- Argumentative letter to the editor
- respond to an article or post and take a position
- Formal letter
- e.g. a justified complaint or enquiry at a high level
- Comment on a prompt
- respond to a quote, a graph or notes
1-week study plan
- Day1Understand format & assessment
Read this guide and look at an official practice test: what do the two topics look like, and what is assessed?
- Day2Structure & useful phrases
Learn the structure of a statement (introduction, body, conclusion) and a set of phrases for arguing and weighing up.
- Day3Collect arguments
Practice quickly collecting and ordering arguments for and against a thesis.
- Day4Connectors & vocabulary
Practice demanding connectors and precise, formal vocabulary instead of simple connections.
- Day5Full text
Write a complete text on a thesis with a clear structure and differentiated argumentation.
- Day6Text under time
Choose one of two topics and write a text in 70 minutes; count the words at the end (around 250).
- Day7Get feedback
Have your text 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 have more arguments for.
- I structure my text clearly: introduction, body, conclusion.
- I argue in a differentiated way and weigh up advantages and disadvantages.
- I connect my text with demanding connectors.
- I write formally and correctly at C1 level.
- I write around 250 words in 70 minutes and check them at the end.
Frequently asked questions
How many words do I have to write in Written Expression?
Around 250 words. More important than the exact number is that you treat the topic fully and in a differentiated way.
Can I choose the topic?
Yes. You get two topics to choose from and write on one. Pick the one you have more arguments and vocabulary for.
How is Written Expression assessed?
By three criteria: task fulfillment (topic treated fully and in a differentiated way), communicative design (clear structure, connectors) and accuracy (grammar, vocabulary, register). There are 48 points in total.
Which text type do I have to write?
Usually a statement or argumentative essay on a thesis or question – sometimes an argumentative letter. You introduce the topic, weigh arguments and justify your opinion.
How much time do I have for Written Expression?
You have 70 minutes – a separate block. Plan a few minutes for collecting arguments and planning, plus time to check at the end.
What’s the best way to practice Written Expression?
Write statements on various topics regularly and have them assessed. At Prepliq a mock scores your text 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 C1 exam.