TELC B1 Schreiben expert guide: email templates, examples & checklists for the exam in 2026

The Written Expression (Schriftliche Ausdrück) section is the fourth part of the written exam in telc Deutsch B1 and accounts for 15% of total points. You have 30 minutes to complete it. Unlike Reading or Language Elements, this section consists of one single writing task.

You receive a specific writing situation - usually a semi-formal email or letter - along with several bullet points. These bullet points are mandatory. Your task is to address all of them clearly and turn them into a coherent, structured text.

There is no separate planning phase. The 30 minutes are your total working time to read the task, plan your response, and write the final text. That's why having an effective strategy is essential for managing time and meeting all evaluation criteria. This guide with practical examples will give an exact blueprint you can follow to pass this section of the test.

What Exactly Does telc B1 Schreiben Look Like?

What examiners score:

1. Content coverage: Did you address all 4 Inhaltspunkte?
2. Register: Is your du/Sie usage consistent throughout?
3. Structure: Anrede (Greeting) → Einleitung (Introduction)→ Hauptteil (Main body) → Schluss (Closing) → Grußformel (greeting)?
4. B1-level language: Did you use connectors and Nebensätze, or only simple A2 sentences?

The single most important thing to understand: addressing all 4 content points matters more than perfect grammar. An email with minor errors that covers everything will outscore a grammatically flawless email that misses a point.

The 3-Minute Planning System

Do this before you write a single word. It takes 3 minutes and prevents the most common mistakes.

Step 1. Read & mark (30 seconds)

Read the prompt twice. Underline the 4 Inhaltspunkte. Circle the recipient's name - that tells you the register (du or Sie).

Step 2. Keyword map (90 seconds)

For each of the 4 points, write 2–3 keywords in German. Not full sentences, just your core idea for each point. This is your skeleton. If you have a skeleton, you can't freeze.

Step 3. Register lock (30 seconds)

Write down your Anrede and Grußformel now. "Liebe Anna" + "Viele Grüße" or "Sehr geehrte Frau Müller" + "Mit freundlichen Grüßen."

Step 4. Connector pick (30 seconds)

Choose 3–4 connectors you'll use from the phrase pack below. Write them in the margin. This guarantees B1-level language without having to think about it mid-sentence. Next let's look at a universal email template.

The Universal Email Template

This skeleton works for ANY telc B1 Schreiben task -complaints, requests, invitations, cancellations. Fill in the blanks and you have a structured email every time.

Betreff: [Topic in 3–5 words]

Anrede: Liebe/r [Name], OR Sehr geehrte/r Frau/Herr [Name],

Einleitung (1–2 sentences): Why you're writing. Reference the situation.

ich schreibe Ihnen/dir, weil... | vielen Dank für Ihre/deine Nachricht...

Punkt 1 (2–3 sentences): First content point + connector.

Zuerst möchte ich ... | Zunächst...

Punkt 2 (2–3 sentences): Second content point + connector.

Außerdem ... | Darüber hinaus...

Punkt 3 (2–3 sentences): Third content point + connector.

Des Weiteren ... | Ich möchte auch erwähnen, dass...

Punkt 4 (2–3 sentences): Fourth content point + connector.

Schließlich ... | Zum Schluss...

Schluss (1 sentence): Closing line.

Ich freue mich auf Ihre/deine Antwort. | Über eine Rückmeldung würde ich mich freuen.

Grußformel: Viele Grüße / Mit freundlichen Grüßen + Name

The math: 2–3 sentences per point × 4 points + intro + closing = ~120 words. It works every time.

Annotated Example 1: Beschwerde (Semi-Formal)

Prompt: You ordered a bookshelf online. It arrived damaged. Write a semi-formal email to the online shop. Address these points: (1) describe the problem, (2) say when the delivery arrived, (3) explain what you want the shop to do, (4) ask about the return process.

Betreff: Beschädigte Lieferung – Bestellnummer 4712

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

ich schreibe Ihnen, weil ich ein Problem mit meiner letzten Bestellung habe. ← Einleitung: clear reason for writing

Zunächst möchte ich Ihnen mitteilen, dass das Bücherregal, das ich bestellt habe, leider beschädigt angekommen ist. Eine Seitenwand hat einen großen Riss. ← Punkt 1 (Problem). "das ich bestellt habe" = Nebensatz → B1 grammar. "Zunächst" = connector

Das Paket wurde am vergangenen Donnerstag geliefert. Ich habe den Schaden erst beim Auspacken bemerkt. ← Punkt 2 (Delivery date). Straightforward, factual.

Deshalb möchte ich Sie bitten, mir ein neues Regal zu schicken oder den Kaufpreis zu erstatten. ← Punkt 3 (What you want). "Deshalb" = B1 connector. "möchte ich Sie bitten" = Konjunktiv-style polite request → strong register signal.

Könnten Sie mir außerdem erklären, wie ich das beschädigte Regal zurückschicken kann? ← Punkt 4 (Return process). "Könnten Sie" = Konjunktiv II. "außerdem" = connector. Question form shows communicative competence.

Über eine schnelle Rückmeldung würde ich mich sehr freuen.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Maria Schmidt

Word count: ~118

Why this passes: All 4 points covered ✓ | Consistent Sie-Form ✓ | Clear structure with Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel ✓ | 3 connectors (zunächst, deshalb, außerdem) ✓ | 2 Nebensätze ✓ | 1 Konjunktiv II ✓

Annotated Example 2: Einladung (Informal)

Prompt: You're organizing a barbecue and want to invite your friend Tom. Write an informal email. Address these points: (1) invite him and say when/where, (2) ask him to bring something, (3) tell him who else is coming, (4) explain how to get to your place.

Betreff: Grillparty bei mir!

Lieber Tom,

wie geht es dir? Ich wollte dir schreiben, weil ich am Samstag eine Grillparty bei mir zu Hause mache, und ich würde mich freuen, wenn du kommst! ← Einleitung + Punkt 1 (Invitation + when/where). "weil" + "wenn" = two Nebensätze in one sentence → strong Strukturen score.

Könntest du vielleicht einen Salat oder Brot mitbringen? Ich kümmere mich um das Fleisch und die Getränke. ← Punkt 2 (Bring something). "Könntest du" = Konjunktiv II, works in informal register too.

Übrigens kommen auch Lisa und Markus. Du kennst sie ja von meiner Geburtstagsfeier letztes Jahr. ← Punkt 3 (Who else). "Übrigens" = informal connector, natural tone.

Meine Wohnung ist in der Hauptstraße 12. Am besten nimmst du die U-Bahn bis Alexanderplatz, dann sind es nur fünf Minuten zu Fuß. ← Punkt 4 (How to get there). Practical directions, clear.

Schreib mir bitte kurz, ob du kommen kannst!

Viele Grüße
Anna

Word count: ~122

Why this passes: All 4 points covered ✓ | Consistent du-Form ✓ | Informal but structured ✓ | Connectors (weil, übrigens) ✓ | Multiple Nebensätze ✓ | Natural, conversational tone ✓

Notice: Informal doesn't mean unstructured. The email follows the same template, it just uses different greetings, closings, and a warmer tone.

Borderline / Failing Example: Beschwerde (Semi-Formal)

Prompt: You ordered a bookshelf online. It arrived damaged. Write a semi-formal email. Address: (1) problem, (2) delivery date, (3) what you want, (4) return process.

Betreff: Problem mit Regal

Hallo, ← Wrong Anrede for semi-formal. "Hallo" is too casual for an online shop. Should be "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren." Examiner notes register inconsistency immediately.

ich habe ein Regal bestellt und es ist kaputt. Das ist nicht gut. Es ist zufrieden gut und eine Seite ist gebrochen. ← Punkt 1 (Problem) — technically addressed, but in A2-level language. Three simple sentences with no connectors, no Nebensatz. "nicht gut" and "nicht zufrieden" say the same thing — wasted words without adding content.

Es kam letzte Woche. ← Punkt 2 (Delivery date) — addressed in 5 words. Too thin. No development. The examiner sees you understood the point but did the minimum.

Ich möchte mein Geld zurück. Bitte schicken Sie mir ein neues. ← Punkt 3 (What you want) — addressed, but again one simple sentence. No polite framing (missing Konjunktiv II), no alternatives offered. For a semi-formal email to a company, "Ich möchte mein Geld zurück" reads abrupt.

Danke, Tschüss ← Wrong Grußformel. "Tschüss" is informal. Should be "Mit freundlichen Grüßen." And also no name signed.

Word count: ~43

This would very likely land in the barely pass or fail range, depending on examiner strictness.

The B1 Phrase Pack

Memorize the phrases below and just plug them when writing your task. This list is organized by what you need to DO, not by grammar category.

Starting the email

• Ich schreibe Ihnen/dir, weil … (I am writing to you because …)
• Vielen Dank für Ihre/deine Nachricht. (Thank you for your message.)
• Ich habe Ihre/deine Anzeige gelesen und … (I read your advertisement and …)

Giving a reason

• deshalb / deswegen / aus diesem Grund (therefore / for that reason / for this reason)
• weil + Nebensatz (because + subordinate clause)

Adding a point

• außerdem / darüber hinaus (in addition / furthermore)
• ich möchte auch erwähnen, dass … (I would also like to mention that …)

Making a request

• Könnten Sie bitte … / Könntest du bitte … (Could you please …)
• Ich würde mich freuen, wenn … (I would be happy if …)
• Wäre es möglich, dass … (Would it be possible that …)

Expressing opinion

• Ich finde / denke / glaube, dass … (I think / believe that …)
• Meiner Meinung nach … (In my opinion …)

Apologizing or declining

• Leider kann ich nicht … (Unfortunately, I cannot …)
• Es tut mir leid, dass … (I am sorry that …)
• Ich muss Ihnen/dir leider mitteilen, dass … (I unfortunately have to inform you that …)

Closing the email

• Ich freue mich auf Ihre/deine Antwort. (I look forward to your reply.)
• Über eine Rückmeldung würde ich mich freuen. (I would appreciate a reply.)
• Ich hoffe, wir sehen uns bald! (I hope we see each other soon!)

Check out our cheat list of more more B1 telc Redemittel vocabulary and phrases relevant across all sections of the test.

The 60%+ Checklist

Use this in the last 2–3 minutes before you hand in your paper.

• ☐ Did I address all 4 Inhaltspunkte? (Tip: you can actually underline where each one appears)
• ☐ Is my register consistent? (Check every du/Sie, including possessives: dein/Ihr, verbs, etc.)
• ☐ Do I have a Betreff, Anrede, and Grußformel?
• ☐ Is my word count between 100 and 150?
• ☐ Did I use at least 3 connectors? (Circle them)
• ☐ Do I have at least 1 Nebensatz? (Look for weil, dass, wenn, obwohl, ob)
• ☐ Did I write a closing sentence (not just stop mid-thought)?

If all boxes are checked, you are almost certainly above 60% - even with grammar mistakes.

5 Mistakes That Cost the Most Points

1. Skipping an Inhaltspunkt. This is the most expensive error. Miss one of the 4 points and your content score drops immediately. Always cross off each point as you write it.

2. Mixing registers. Starting with "Liebe Anna" then writing "Könnten Sie mir bitte..." signals confusion. Pick your register from the greeting and lock it in.

3. Writing too little. Under 100 words almost always means you've missed content or haven't developed your points enough. The 2–3 sentences per point formula prevents this.

4. Only simple sentences. "Ich komme. Das ist gut. Ich freue mich." — this is A2 level. Add ONE conjunction per point (weil, dass, obwohl) and you immediately signal B1.

5. No Betreff or wrong Grußformel. These are free points. They take 5 seconds and show the examiner you know the format.

How to Get Ready and Practice for This Section

• Write at least 10 practice emails using the template above.
• Alternate between informal and semi-formal prompts.
• Time yourself - 25 minutes including planning, not a second more.
• Use the checklist above to self-evaluate.
• Memorize the template structure
• Memorize key phrases

And where to practice:

• Official free telc Modelltest PDFs from telc.net
• HeyLama B1 Exam Prep - structured 1-week, 4-week, and 8-week telc B1 preparation courses with AI feedback with primiary focus on getting you ready for the speaking section.

FAQ

How many words do I have to write in telc B1 Writing?

Aim for ~120 words. Under 100 is risky because it usually means you've missed content. Over 150 is unnecessary and costs time you could spend reviewing. The template (2–3 sentences per point × 4 points + intro + closing) naturally lands around 120.

Do I have to write a letter or an email for telc B1?

Recent exams have shifted toward emails, but the structure is identical. Always include a Betreff, Anrede, and Grußformel regardless of whether the prompt says "Brief" or "E-Mail."

How is telc B1 Writing assessed?

Content coverage (all 4 points), appropriate register (du/Sie consistency), clear structure, and B1-level language. You don't need perfect grammar — you need to show you can communicate effectively and cover the task completely.

Can I pass telc B1 Writing even if my grammar isn't perfect?

Yes. The scoring rewards task fulfillment and communication over grammatical perfection. If you address all 4 points, use the right register, and include a few B1 structures (Nebensätze, connectors), minor grammar errors won't fail you.

What topics are covered in telc B1 Writing?

Common topics include Beschwerde (complaint), Anfrage (inquiry), Einladung (invitation), Absage (cancellation), Krankmeldung (sick note), and Terminänderung (schedule change). All are everyday situations — nothing academic or abstract.