Goethe A1 Writing topics and exercises

More Information About Your Telc A1 Writing Exam

The Goethe A1 writing exam is a key component of the language certificate “Start Deutsch 1”. It is aimed at people who need to prove their basic German skills – for example, for family reunification, integration courses, or initial residence permits in Germany.

This part of the exam tests whether you are able to write simple and correct messages in everyday situations – such as letters, emails, or notes. Your writing should be both grammatically correct and content-complete.

Purpose and Importance of the A1 Writing Exam

With this exam, you show that you can apply basic forms of written communication in German. This is especially important if you plan to live in a German-speaking country: Whether it's an email to a school, a note to your neighbors, or a short excuse – writing is part of daily life.

Structure of the Goethe A1 Writing Exam

The exam consists of three parts and lasts about 20 minutes:

• Part 1: Fill out a form with personal details (e.g., name, address, profession)
• Part 2: Write a short message or email, such as a cancellation or request (20 to 30 words)
• Part 3: Write a short letter on a familiar topic (30 to 50 words)

Important Evaluation Criteria

Your text will be evaluated based on the following aspects:

• Did you respond to all points of the task?
• Are the sentences grammatically correct?
• Is the text clearly structured with greeting, main section, and closing?
• Is the writing legible and easy to understand?

Examples of Common Topics

• Invitation to an event such as a birthday or barbecue
• Cancellation due to illness or other commitments
• Questions about a language course, doctor’s appointment, or working hours
• Messages to neighbors or school staff

Tips for Successful Preparation

• Practice with real past exam questions
• Train common letter openings and closings
• Write your own texts on familiar topics and ask for corrections
• Use interactive online exercises with solutions for self-assessment

Additional Advice

The writing section shows whether you can not only understand German but also use it effectively. With good preparation, you can write more confidently and increase your chances of success.

Start practicing early. Mistakes at the beginning are normal. With regular writing practice, guided tasks, and clear examples, you can improve step by step. On our website, you will find plenty of exercises, sample topics, and helpful explanations.