Goethe B1 Informal Email Writing

Details on Writing Informal Emails for the Goethe Exam

In the written part of the Goethe B1 exam, participants are presented with a typical everyday situation: they receive a personal message, often from a friend, acquaintance, or relative. The task is to respond in an appropriate tone by writing an informal email. The focus is not on perfect grammar, but on the ability to write clearly, relevantly, and personally.

What is an informal email?

An informal email is addressed to someone with whom one communicates in a casual, everyday context. This could be a friend, a colleague, or a family member. The language is friendlier and more relaxed than in a formal letter. Nevertheless, a clear structure is important so that the message is complete and easy to understand.

Structure of the email

• Salutation: Hi Alex, / Dear Maria,
• Introduction: Refer to the message (e.g., Thanks for your email from...)
• Main part: Respond to all mentioned points (questions, requests, information)
• Ending: Friendly wishes or a follow-up question (e.g., Write me again soon.)
• Farewell: Best regards / See you soon
• Name: Your Thomas / Your Julia

What do the examiners look for?

• Are all points from the task addressed?
• Is the text clear, well structured, and logically organized?
• Is the language appropriate for the situation (personal but not too casual)?
• Are simple grammatical structures used correctly?

Common topics in the exam

• Invitation to a party or a meeting
• Cancelling or rescheduling an appointment
• Questions about free time, holidays, or personal experiences
• Request for help or a small favor

Sample task

Your friend Jonas wrote to you. He wants to know if you have time to go to the cinema with him next week. He also asks how your last day at work went. Answer him.

Sample text

"Dear Jonas,

Thanks for your message. I’m happy that you want to go to the cinema. Next week I’m free on Friday evening. Which movie do you want to see?

My last day at work was okay, but a bit stressful. We had many customers, and I had to stay longer. But now everything is calm again.

What’s new with you? Write to me soon.

Best regards
Your Daniel"

Preparation tips

• Write short personal emails on everyday topics regularly
• Use typical phrases like “How are you?” or “Thanks for your message”
• Practice the structure: salutation, introduction, main part, closing
• Use simple but complete sentences
• Read sample texts and pay attention to tone and expressions

Experiences from test takers

Many course participants report that this part of the exam is one of the easiest. “I just wrote like I would message my cousin – it was relaxed,” says Elena from Berlin. Mehmet from Mannheim adds: “You usually know what kind of topics will come, and with some practice, you can earn good points.” Others mention that it was helpful to memorize a set of opening and closing sentences in advance.

Expert opinion

Language coach Olena Bazalukova advises: “Authenticity is key in informal emails. Write as you really would communicate – clear, friendly, personal. Anyone who writes a simple, structured message and covers all task points can do very well in this section.”

In conclusion: those who practice regularly, know typical topics, and remember a clear structure can confidently master the informal email in the Goethe B1 exam.