telc German C2 – Written Expression
In Written Expression you write a demanding, differentiated text on a topic. 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 write a structured, argumentative text at a high level in 90 minutes.
- Required are differentiated argumentation, a clear structure and stylistic assurance.
- Assessed on task fulfillment, communicative design and accuracy. 40 points.
Overview
Written Expression is the part of the telc C2 exam where you produce a demanding text yourself. You write a coherent, well-structured and differentiated text on a given topic – usually an essay, a statement or a commentary. You have 90 minutes and can earn 40 points.
It tests whether you can express yourself in writing in a differentiated, precise and stylistically assured way at C2 level. You should treat the topic comprehensively, weigh different perspectives, develop a clear position and justify it convincingly. At C2 it’s not only correctness and structure that count, but also stylistic range, nuance and near-native expression.
It is assessed by three criteria: task fulfillment (do you treat the topic comprehensively and in a differentiated way?), communicative design (clear structure, thread, appropriate style) and accuracy (grammar, vocabulary, stylistic assurance). Work in three steps: plan, write, check.
C2 demands near-native, stylistically assured expression. Demanding are the differentiated argumentation, the nuance and the linguistic range.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write a demanding text | Essay / statement | Written Expression | 1 | 40 |
Tips & strategy
Take time to grasp the topic in depth. Consider different perspectives before developing a position.
Plan arguments, counter-arguments, examples and the structure. At C2 a well-thought-out outline is the basis of a convincing text.
Weigh different positions, name qualifications and develop a nuanced stance – not just “for” or “against”.
Show linguistic range: varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary, demanding connectors. Avoid repetition.
Connect your thoughts into a coherent whole. Each paragraph builds on the previous one and carries the argument forward.
Check structure, argument, style and accuracy. At C2 even small mistakes and stylistic weaknesses carry weight.
Useful phrases
Learn a demanding set of phrases for the essay/statement:
- Introduction
- Kaum ein Thema wird derzeit so kontrovers diskutiert wie … / Die Frage, ob …, berührt einen zentralen Aspekt …
- Developing arguments
- Ein gewichtiges Argument besteht darin, dass … / Hinzu kommt der Aspekt … / Nicht zu unterschätzen ist …
- Weighing & qualifying
- Zwar …, gleichwohl … / Bei näherer Betrachtung zeigt sich jedoch … / Einschränkend ist anzumerken …
- Taking a position
- Aus meiner Sicht überwiegt … / Ich vertrete die Auffassung, dass … / Letztlich spricht mehr dafür, dass …
- Conclusion
- Zusammenfassend lässt sich konstatieren, dass … / Abschließend bleibt festzuhalten, dass …
Common task types & topics
The writing task is usually one of these forms:
- Essay / statement
- discuss a controversial thesis or question in a differentiated way (society, science, culture)
- Commentary
- take a pointed, reasoned position on a current topic
- Argumentative essay
- penetrate and classify an abstract topic intellectually
- Demanding formal letter
- e.g. a differentiated statement or submission
1-week study plan
- Day1Understand format & assessment
Read this guide and look at an official practice test: what does the task look like and what is assessed?
- Day2Structure & useful phrases
Learn the structure of an essay and a demanding set of phrases for arguing and weighing up.
- Day3Argue in a differentiated way
Practice developing different perspectives on a thesis and justifying a nuanced position.
- Day4Style & range
Practice varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary and demanding connectors.
- Day5Full text
Write a complete text on a topic with a clear structure and differentiated argumentation.
- Day6Text under time
Write a text in 90 minutes and plan time for planning and checking.
- Day7Get feedback
Have your text assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores task fulfillment, design and language.
Are you ready?
- I open up a demanding topic comprehensively and in depth.
- I structure my text clearly and coherently.
- I argue in a differentiated way and develop a nuanced position.
- I show linguistic range and stylistic assurance.
- I write almost error-free at C2 level.
- I write a complete text in 90 minutes and check it at the end.
Frequently asked questions
Which text type do I have to write in Written Expression?
Usually an essay, statement or commentary on a demanding topic. You open up the topic, weigh perspectives and develop a reasoned position.
How much time do I have for Written Expression?
You have 90 minutes – a separate block. Plan time to open up the topic, to plan, to write and to check.
How is Written Expression assessed?
By three criteria: task fulfillment (topic treated comprehensively and in a differentiated way), communicative design (structure, thread, style) and accuracy (grammar, vocabulary, stylistic assurance). There are 40 points in total.
What is different at C2 compared with C1?
At C2, besides correctness and structure, what counts above all is stylistic range, nuance and near-native expression. The argument has to be deeper and more differentiated.
How long should my text be?
Long enough to treat the topic comprehensively and in a differentiated way. Depth, structure and stylistic assurance matter more than an exact word count.
What’s the best way to practice Written Expression?
Write essays on demanding 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 C2 exam.