B1 Writing — How to Write an Email (with Examples)
The writing task is one of the most feared parts of the B1 German exam — but it is also one of the most learnable. The exam always gives you a clear situation and specific points to address. With the right structure, the right phrases, and enough practice, you can consistently score well on this section.
Understand the Task Before You Write
The B1 writing task always contains: a scenario (why you are writing), a list of 3–4 bullet points you must address, and information about who you are writing to. Before writing a single word, analyze the task carefully.
- ✓Identify the text type: is it a formal letter (Sie), a semi-formal email, or an informal message (du)?
- ✓List all the bullet points and make sure you understand what each one asks for
- ✓Think briefly about what you want to say for each point
- ✓Plan your structure: opening → point 1 → point 2 → point 3 → closing
Tipp: Each missing bullet point can cost you up to 4 marks. Never sacrifice a point for the sake of better sentences on another point.
Email Structure and Fixed Phrases
A well-structured email with standard phrases looks professional and demonstrates that you know German writing conventions. Memorize these formulas — they are worth marks and save thinking time.
- ✓Formal opening: 'Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,' / 'Sehr geehrter Herr [Name],'
- ✓Semi-formal opening: 'Sehr geehrte Frau Müller,' / 'Guten Tag, Frau Müller,'
- ✓Informal opening: 'Lieber Max,' / 'Liebe Anna,'
- ✓Stating your reason for writing: 'Ich schreibe Ihnen wegen ...' / 'Ich möchte mich erkundigen, ob ...'
- ✓Formal closing: 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen, ...'
- ✓Informal closing: 'Viele Grüße, ...' / 'Liebe Grüße, ...'
Useful Connector Phrases
Connectors link your ideas and make your text flow. Using a variety of connectors is a good sign of B1 competence.
- ✓Adding information: 'Außerdem ...', 'Darüber hinaus ...', 'Und auch ...'
- ✓Giving reasons: 'Weil ...', 'Da ...', 'Denn ...'
- ✓Contrasting: 'Aber ...', 'Jedoch ...', 'Obwohl ...', 'Trotzdem ...'
- ✓Sequencing: 'Zuerst ...', 'Dann ...', 'Schließlich ...'
- ✓Concluding: 'Ich würde mich freuen, wenn ...', 'Ich hoffe, dass ...'
Full Example: Complaint Email
Here is an example of a B1 exam writing task response. The scenario: You ordered furniture online, but it arrived damaged. Write an email to the shop complaining about this.
- ✓Opening: 'Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich schreibe Ihnen wegen meiner Bestellung vom 10. März.'
- ✓Problem: 'Leider ist der Tisch beschädigt angekommen. Die Tischplatte hat einen großen Riss.'
- ✓Request: 'Ich bitte Sie daher, mir so schnell wie möglich einen Ersatz zu schicken oder den Kaufpreis zu erstatten.'
- ✓Additional point: 'Außerdem möchte ich wissen, wie ich den beschädigten Artikel zurückschicken kann.'
- ✓Closing: 'Ich hoffe auf eine schnelle Antwort. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, [Name]'
Tipp: After writing, check: Did I address every bullet point? Is the register consistent throughout? Are verbs in the correct position?