TestDaF TDN 3 – Written Expression (Schreiben)
In Written Expression you write a connected text: you describe a graphic and take an argumentative stance on a question. Here’s the structure, useful phrases, an example and all the tips.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- Written Expression has 1 task in two steps: describe a graphic and argue.
- You write a well-structured, connected text.
- You have 60 minutes for Written Expression.
Overview
Written Expression is the module of the TestDaF exam where you produce a text yourself. There is one task that consists of two steps: first you describe a graphic or statistics (data, developments, comparisons), then you take an argumentative stance on a related question. You have 60 minutes for it.
In the first step you give the most important information of the graphic – not every number, but the central statements, developments and striking points. In the second step you discuss a question on the topic: you weigh up arguments, justify them with examples and formulate your own position.
You’re graded on overall impression, structure (clear organization, transitions) and language (vocabulary, structures, accuracy). What matters is a connected, well-structured text in language appropriate to an academic context.
You must combine graphic description and argument in 60 minutes. The most common hurdle: going into too much detail on the graphic or staying superficial in the argument.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task – Graphic & Argument | Graphic + Argument | Describing & arguing | 1 | 20 |
Tips & strategy
Plan time for both parts: graphic description and argument. Don’t spend all the time on the graphic.
Don’t describe every number, but the most important statements, developments and striking points.
In the second part you should argue: name arguments for and against, justify them and formulate your opinion.
Structure your text into introduction, graphic description, argument and conclusion. Use transitions.
Learn fixed phrases for graphic description (steigen, sinken, im Vergleich zu) and argument (einerseits, andererseits).
Leave time to check: structure complete? Grammar and vocabulary correct? Fix obvious errors.
What TDN 3 means in Writing
A TDN 3 text describes the data and gives an opinion in clear but simpler language, with noticeable errors that don’t block understanding.
- CEFR level
- B2
- To reach TDN 3
- To reach TDN 3, focus on reliably grasping the main ideas and producing clear, connected language; the jump to TDN 4 means handling demanding scientific texts and arguing in a structured way.
Useful phrases
Learn a fixed set of phrases for both parts:
- Introducing the graphic
- Die Grafik zeigt … / Dargestellt ist … / Die Daten stammen aus dem Jahr …
- Developments
- steigt / sinkt / bleibt konstant / im Vergleich zu … / am höchsten ist …
- Argument
- Einerseits … andererseits … / Ein Argument dafür ist … / Dem ist entgegenzuhalten, …
- Opinion & conclusion
- Meiner Meinung nach … / Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, …
Typical structure
A proven structure for the text:
- Introduction
- name the topic and lead into the graphic
- Graphic description
- give the most important data and developments
- Argument
- weigh up and justify arguments for and against
- Conclusion
- own position and short summary
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and look at the official Modelltest: what do the graphic and the task look like?
- Day2Learn useful phrases
Learn phrases for graphic description and argument.
- Day3Practice describing graphics
Practice describing various graphics – select the essentials.
- Day4Practice arguing
Practice weighing up arguments and formulating your opinion.
- Day5Consolidate the structure
Practice the whole structure: introduction, graphic, argument, conclusion.
- Day6Full text under time
Write a complete text in 60 minutes and check structure, grammar and vocabulary.
- Day7Get feedback
Have your writing graded – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores your text automatically.
Are you ready?
- I describe a graphic and select the most important data.
- I name arguments for and against and justify them.
- I formulate my own position clearly.
- I structure my text into introduction, body and conclusion.
- I use phrases for graphic and argument.
- I write a connected text in 60 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to reach TDN 3 in writing?
A TDN 3 text describes the data and gives an opinion in clear but simpler language, with noticeable errors that don’t block understanding. To reach TDN 3, focus on reliably grasping the main ideas and producing clear, connected language; the jump to TDN 4 means handling demanding scientific texts and arguing in a structured way.
How is Written Expression in the TestDaF structured?
There is one task in two steps: first you describe a graphic or statistics, then you take an argumentative stance on a question on the topic. You write a connected text.
How much time do I have for Written Expression?
Written Expression lasts 60 minutes. Plan time for both parts and for checking.
Do I have to describe every number of the graphic?
No. Select the most important statements, developments and striking points – not every single number.
How is Written Expression scored in TDN 3?
You’re graded on overall impression, structure and language. Like all TestDaF modules it is graded in TDN levels. Depending on your performance you reach TDN 3, 4 or 5. TDN 3 corresponds roughly to level B2. For most degree programs TDN 3 alone is not enough; some universities of applied sciences or the Studienkolleg may accept it as a partial proof.
Does my grammar have to be perfect?
No, but a high degree of accuracy and good academic vocabulary help you reach a higher TDN level. More important than being error-free is a clearly structured, connected text.
What’s the best way to practice Written Expression?
Practice graphic descriptions and argumentative texts and have them graded. At Prepliq a mock exam scores your text automatically – because the PDF answer key does not cover writing.