DTZ Writing: How to Write a Letter at B1 Level

Learn the criteria by which you are evaluated, how to structure a letter in 30 minutes, and which mistakes to avoid — with a real example and detailed analysis.

10 minutes reading · Level B1 · DTZ / telc

ARTICLE CONTENT

• What is Schreiben on DTZ
• 4 evaluation criteria
• How many points for A2 and B1
• Step-by-step letter template
• Example task with analysis
• 7 common mistakes
• “5-minute planning” technique
• Ready-made phrases for the letter
• Frequently asked questions

You are preparing for DTZ B1 and have already practiced dozens of listening and reading tasks. But when it comes to Schreiben — the only part where you have to write the text yourself — something goes wrong. Time is up, and the letter doesn’t look as you wanted. Familiar feeling?

The problem is rarely that you “don’t know German well.” Most often, people simply don’t know the exact criteria by which they are assessed — and what exactly needs to be written to get B1. In this article, we will analyze the structure of the Schreiben part, all four official criteria, and a step-by-step template that really works on the exam.

What is Schreiben on DTZ and what is expected from you

The writing part is one of the three components on which the final level on DTZ is based (along with Hören/Lesen and Sprechen). Exactly 30 minutes are allocated for it, and during this time you need to write one letter — semi-formal or formal.

The form always has two task options — A and B. You choose one and mark it. Both options are equal in difficulty. Choose the one whose topic is closer or clearer to you.

The task is always structured: there is an introductory situation and four so-called Leitpunkte — guiding points you need to answer in the letter. If you cover all four — you will already have a good result.

4 official DTZ Schreiben evaluation criteria