telc B1 Schreiben: Templates, Scoring and Examples
Pass telc B1 Schreiben with a repeatable system: 4-step planning, fill-in formal and informal templates, annotated example with examiner analysis, and the 15 connectors that signal B1 level.
<div class="nav-hint">← <a href="https://examdeutsch.com">ExamDeutsch</a> · <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/blog">Blog</a> · <a href="https://examdeutsch.com">AI Mock Test</a> · <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/einbuergerungstest">Einbürgerungstest</a></div> <div class="blog-hero"> <h1>telc B1 Schreiben: Email Templates, Scoring & Annotated Examples 2026</h1> <div class="meta">By ExamDeutsch · Updated April 2026 · 11 min read · telc Deutsch B1</div> <p class="excerpt">30 minutes. One task. Four mandatory content points. Miss just one and no amount of perfect grammar can save you. This guide gives you the 4-step planning system, fill-in templates for formal and informal emails, a fully annotated example, and the connector toolkit examiners reward.</p> <div class="hero-cta"> <a href="#pdf-download" class="btn-p">⬇ Free PDF Download</a> <a href="https://examdeutsch.com" class="btn-s">🤖 AI Practice →</a> </div> </div> <div class="container"><div class="article-body">
<p>30 minutes. One task. Four mandatory content points. This is the telc B1 Schreiben section — and most candidates fail it for one reason: <strong>they miss a content point</strong>.</p> <p>Perfect grammar won't save you. A beautifully written email that addresses only 3 out of 4 required points will score lower than a grammatically imperfect email that covers all 4. Content is the primary criterion.</p> <p>This guide gives you a <strong>repeatable system</strong>: the 4-step planning process, fill-in templates for formal and informal emails, an annotated example with examiner analysis, and the connector toolkit that signals B1 level.</p>
<div class="pdf-box" id="pdf-download"> <div class="pdf-icon">📄</div> <div> <h3>Free PDF: B1 Schreiben Templates + Checklist</h3> <p>Both email templates, connector toolkit, and 30-second pre-submission checklist — one printable A4 sheet.</p> <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/downloads/grammar-sheets/ExamDeutsch7B1SentenceStructures_Schreiben.html" class="pdf-btn">⬇ Download Free PDF</a> <p style="font-size:.8rem;color:#888;margin:8px 0 0">Free · No email · Updated 2026</p> </div> </div>
<div class="toc"> <h3>📋 What's in this guide</h3> <ol> <li><a href="#format">Exam format and scoring criteria</a></li> <li><a href="#planning">The 4-step 3-minute planning system</a></li> <li><a href="#templates">Fill-in email templates (formal + informal)</a></li> <li><a href="#example">Annotated full example with examiner analysis</a></li> <li><a href="#connectors">B1 connector toolkit — 15 phrases</a></li> <li><a href="#mistakes">5 mistakes that lose the most points</a></li> <li><a href="#checklist">30-second pre-submission checklist</a></li> <li><a href="#faq">FAQ</a></li> </ol> </div>
<h2 id="format">Exam format and scoring criteria</h2> <div class="tw"><table> <thead><tr><th>Detail</th><th>Specification</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td class="lb">Time</td><td>30 minutes (separate from Reading + Sprachbausteine)</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">Task</td><td>Write 1 email/letter responding to a given prompt</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">Content points</td><td>4 required points (Inhaltspunkte) — all must be addressed</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">Register</td><td>Informal (du) or formal (Sie) — the prompt tells you</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">Word count</td><td>Minimum 100 words. Target: 120–140 words</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">Points</td><td>45 points (15% of total exam score)</td></tr> </tbody> </table></div>
<div class="tw"><table> <thead><tr><th>Criterion</th><th>What earns full points</th><th>What loses points</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td class="lb">1. Content ⭐ Most important</td><td>All 4 Inhaltspunkte addressed clearly</td><td>Missing even 1 point — cannot be compensated</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">2. Register</td><td>Consistent du OR consistent Sie throughout</td><td>Mixing du/Sie anywhere in the same email</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">3. Structure</td><td>Anrede + Einleitung + Hauptteil + Schluss + Grußformel</td><td>Missing Anrede or Grußformel entirely</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">4. Language</td><td>B1 connectors (weil, deshalb, obwohl), sentence variety</td><td>Only A2-level simple sentences, no connectors</td></tr> </tbody> </table></div>
<div class="imp"><strong>❗ The #1 rule of telc B1 Schreiben:</strong> Address ALL 4 content points. An email with minor grammar errors that covers everything will outscore a grammatically perfect email that misses one point. Before you write a single word: read the prompt twice and underline all 4 points.</div>
<p>Schreiben is one part of a written exam that also contains <a href="/blog/german-b1-reading-comprehension-strategies-complete-guide-to-leseverstehen-succe">Leseverstehen</a> and <a href="/blog/telc-b1-h-rverstehen-all-3-parts-10-traps-4-week-plan-2026-free-pdf">Hörverstehen</a>; the <a href="/b1">B1 page</a> has full mock exams in the telc format.</p> <p>Auf Deutsch: <a href="/blog/telc-b1-schreiben-aufgabe-bewertung-punkte">telc B1 Schreiben — Aufgabe, Bewertung und Punkte</a>.</p> <h2 id="scoring-source">What Schreiben is worth</h2> <p>Schriftlicher Ausdruck carries <strong>45 of the 225 points</strong> in the telc B1 written exam, and you get 30 minutes for it. The written exam is passed at 135 points (60%), so the letter is worth a fifth of the half of the exam you have to pass. <a href="https://shop.telc.net/media/catalog/product/file/telcdeutschb1zduebungstest1.pdf" rel="noopener" target="blank">telc, Übungstest 1 Zertifikat Deutsch B1 — "Punkte und Gewichtung"</a></p> <h2 id="planning">The 4-step 3-minute planning system</h2> <p>Do this before writing anything. It takes 3 minutes and prevents the most common mistakes.</p> <div class="step"><span class="sn">1</span><strong>Read & mark (30 seconds):</strong> Read the prompt twice. Underline all 4 Inhaltspunkte — number them 1, 2, 3, 4. Circle the recipient's name — this tells you the register (du or Sie).</div> <div class="step"><span class="sn">2</span><strong>Keyword map (90 seconds):</strong> For each of the 4 points, write 2–3 German keywords on the side. Not full sentences — just your core idea for each point. This is your skeleton. With a skeleton, you can't freeze.</div> <div class="step"><span class="sn">3</span><strong>Register lock (30 seconds):</strong> Write your Anrede and Grußformel <em>before anything else</em>. Formal: "Sehr geehrte/r [Name]" + "Mit freundlichen Grüßen". Informal: "Liebe/r [Name]" + "Viele Grüße". Now it's locked — you can't accidentally switch.</div> <div class="step"><span class="sn">4</span><strong>Pick 3–4 connectors (30 seconds):</strong> Write them in the margin: weil, deshalb, außerdem, leider. These guarantee B1-level language without thinking about it mid-sentence.</div>
<h2 id="templates">Fill-in email templates</h2>
<h3>Formal template (Sie / Sehr geehrte/r)</h3> <div style="background:#f8fffe;border:2px solid #1db954;border-radius:12px;padding:22px 26px;margin:16px 0;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:2"> <p><strong>Sehr geehrte/r [Titel] [Nachname],</strong></p> <p>ich schreibe Ihnen wegen <em>[Thema aus der Aufgabe]</em>. <em>[Verbindung zum Kontext herstellen — warum schreiben Sie?]</em></p> <p><em>[Punkt 1: Klarer Satz + Begründung mit weil/da. "Zunächst möchte ich sagen, dass … Ich finde das wichtig, weil …"]</em></p> <p><em>[Punkt 2: Neues Thema. "Außerdem wollte ich fragen, ob … Das wäre sehr hilfreich, damit …"]</em></p> <p><em>[Punkt 3: Weiter. "Was … betrifft, würde ich vorschlagen, dass … Ich denke, das wäre sinnvoll."]</em></p> <p><em>[Punkt 4: Abschluss/Frage. "Abschließend hätte ich noch eine Frage: Könnten Sie mir mitteilen, ob …?"]</em></p> <p>Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort und stehe für Rückfragen gerne zur Verfügung.</p> <p><strong>Mit freundlichen Grüßen,</strong><br>[Vorname Nachname]</p> </div>
<h3>Informal template (du / Liebe/r)</h3> <div style="background:#f8fffe;border:2px solid #1db954;border-radius:12px;padding:22px 26px;margin:16px 0;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:2"> <p><strong>Liebe/r [Vorname],</strong></p> <p>vielen Dank für deine <em>[Nachricht/Einladung]</em>! Ich freue mich sehr <em>[darüber/von dir zu hören]</em>.</p> <p><em>[Punkt 1: "Ich wollte dir sagen, dass … Das finde ich schön/wichtig, weil …"]</em></p> <p><em>[Punkt 2: "Außerdem würde ich gern wissen, ob … Das wäre nämlich wichtig für …"]</em></p> <p><em>[Punkt 3: "Was [Thema] angeht, denke ich, dass … Es wäre schön, wenn wir …"]</em></p> <p><em>[Punkt 4: "Könntest du mir noch sagen, ob …? Das würde mir sehr helfen."]</em></p> <p>Ich freue mich auf deine Antwort! Schreib mir bald.</p> <p><strong>Viele Grüße,</strong><br>[Vorname]</p> </div>
<h2 id="example">Annotated full example — with examiner analysis</h2> <p><strong>Prompt:</strong> You are writing to your colleague Anna. She invited you to her birthday party next Saturday. Write about: (1) whether you can come, (2) what gift you will bring, (3) whether you need to come by car, (4) ask what time the party starts.</p>
<div style="background:#f8fffe;border:2px solid #1db954;border-radius:12px;padding:22px 26px;margin:16px 0;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:2"> <p><strong>Liebe Anna,</strong> <span style="background:#e8f8ee;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:.82rem;padding:2px 7px;border-radius:4px;color:#0e7a2f">✓ Correct informal Anrede</span></p> <p>vielen Dank für deine Einladung zu deiner Geburtstagsparty! Ich freue mich sehr darüber.</p> <p>Ich komme gerne am Samstag zu deiner Party. <span style="background:#e8f8ee;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:.82rem;padding:2px 7px;border-radius:4px;color:#0e7a2f">✓ Point 1 covered</span> Leider muss ich etwas später kommen, <strong>weil</strong> ich vormittags einen Arzttermin habe.</p> <p>Als Geschenk möchte ich dir ein schönes Buch mitbringen, das ich letzte Woche in einer Buchhandlung gesehen habe. <span style="background:#e8f8ee;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:.82rem;padding:2px 7px;border-radius:4px;color:#0e7a2f">✓ Point 2 + relative clause = B1 language</span></p> <p>Ich habe kein Auto, <strong>deshalb</strong> komme ich wahrscheinlich mit dem Bus. <span style="background:#e8f8ee;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:.82rem;padding:2px 7px;border-radius:4px;color:#0e7a2f">✓ Point 3 + deshalb = B1 connector</span></p> <p>Könntest du mir noch sagen, um wie viel Uhr die Party anfängt? <span style="background:#e8f8ee;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:.82rem;padding:2px 7px;border-radius:4px;color:#0e7a2f">✓ Point 4 + Konjunktiv II = B1 language</span></p> <p>Ich freue mich schon sehr auf Samstag!</p> <p><strong>Viele Grüße,</strong><br>Max <span style="background:#e8f8ee;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:.82rem;padding:2px 7px;border-radius:4px;color:#0e7a2f">✓ Correct informal Grußformel</span></p> </div> <p><strong>Word count:</strong> ~115 words. <strong>Score:</strong> All 4 points ✓ · Consistent du ✓ · Full structure ✓ · B1 connectors (leider, weil, deshalb) ✓ · B1 language (relative clause, Konjunktiv II) ✓</p>
<h2 id="connectors">B1 Connector Toolkit — Write 3–4 in margin before starting</h2> <div class="tw"><table> <thead><tr><th>Connector</th><th>Meaning</th><th>Word order rule</th><th>Ready-to-use example</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td class="de">weil</td><td class="en">because</td><td class="fm">verb to end</td><td>… weil das für mich sehr wichtig ist.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">da</td><td class="en">since / as</td><td class="fm">verb to end</td><td>Da ich krank bin, komme ich leider nicht.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">obwohl</td><td class="en">although</td><td class="fm">verb to end</td><td>Ich komme, obwohl es weit ist.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">deshalb / daher</td><td class="en">therefore</td><td class="fm">inverts S+V</td><td>Deshalb schreibe ich Ihnen / dir heute.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">außerdem</td><td class="en">furthermore</td><td class="fm">inverts S+V</td><td>Außerdem möchte ich fragen, ob …</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">leider</td><td class="en">unfortunately</td><td class="fm">adverb, normal order</td><td>Leider kann ich nicht früher kommen.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">jedoch</td><td class="en">however</td><td class="fm">inverts S+V</td><td>Ich freue mich sehr. Jedoch habe ich eine Frage.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">damit</td><td class="en">so that</td><td class="fm">verb to end</td><td>Ich schreibe früh, damit du Zeit zum Planen hast.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">ich würde gern</td><td class="en">I would like to</td><td class="fm">würde + inf. at end</td><td>Ich würde gern wissen, ob das möglich ist.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">ich freue mich</td><td class="en">I am happy / looking forward</td><td class="fm">normal order</td><td>Ich freue mich sehr, dass wir uns sehen werden.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">zum Beispiel</td><td class="en">for example</td><td class="fm">normal order</td><td>Ich könnte zum Beispiel ein Buch mitbringen.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">falls</td><td class="en">in case / if</td><td class="fm">verb to end</td><td>Falls du Fragen hast, schreib mir gern.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">es wäre schön, wenn</td><td class="en">it would be nice if</td><td class="fm">verb to end</td><td>Es wäre schön, wenn du kommen könntest.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">ich hoffe, dass</td><td class="en">I hope that</td><td class="fm">verb to end</td><td>Ich hoffe, dass wir uns bald sehen.</td></tr> <tr><td class="de">trotzdem</td><td class="en">nevertheless</td><td class="fm">inverts S+V</td><td>Trotzdem freue ich mich sehr auf die Party.</td></tr> </tbody> </table></div>
<h2 id="mistakes">5 mistakes that lose the most points</h2> <div class="tw"><table> <thead><tr><th>#</th><th>Mistake</th><th>How to avoid</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td class="lb">1</td><td><strong>Missing a content point</strong> — the single most costly error</td><td>Underline all 4 points before writing. Check each one off as you write it.</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">2</td><td><strong>Mixing du and Sie</strong> in the same email</td><td>Write Anrede and Grußformel first. They lock your register.</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">3</td><td><strong>Forgetting Anrede or Grußformel</strong></td><td>These are structural requirements. Missing either costs register points.</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">4</td><td><strong>Only using simple sentences</strong> — no connectors, no Nebensätze</td><td>Pre-choose 3–4 connectors. Use at least one per content point.</td></tr> <tr><td class="lb">5</td><td><strong>Writing too long</strong> (160+ words) and running out of time</td><td>Target 120–140 words. Quality over quantity.</td></tr> </tbody> </table></div>
<h2 id="checklist">30-second pre-submission checklist</h2> <div class="star-box"> <h3>✅ Before you put down your pen</h3> <p>☐ All 4 Inhaltspunkte addressed clearly?<br> ☐ Register consistent throughout (du OR Sie — never mixed)?<br> ☐ Anrede included? (Sehr geehrte/r … / Liebe/r …)<br> ☐ Grußformel included? (Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Viele Grüße)<br> ☐ At least 3 connectors used? (weil, deshalb, außerdem, leider …)<br> ☐ 100–140 words? (Count quickly if unsure)</p> </div>
<div class="pdf-box"> <div class="pdf-icon">📄</div> <div> <h3>Download: B1 Schreiben Templates PDF</h3> <p>Both templates, connector toolkit, and checklist — one printable A4 sheet for exam day.</p> <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/downloads/grammar-sheets/ExamDeutsch7B1SentenceStructuresSchreiben.html" class="pdf-btn">⬇ Download Free PDF</a> <p style="font-size:.8rem;color:#888;margin:8px 0 0">Also: <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/downloads/grammar-sheets/ExamDeutsch7B1SentenceStructuresSchreiben.html" style="color:#0e7a2f">B1 Sentence Structures PDF</a> · <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/downloads/grammar-sheets/ExamDeutsch3B1GrammarCheatSheet.html" style="color:#0e7a2f">B1 Grammar PDF</a></p> </div> </div>
<div class="cta"> <h3>Get AI Feedback on Your B1 Schreiben</h3> <p>ExamDeutsch AI grades your email against all 4 telc criteria, highlights missing content points, and suggests B1 connectors to improve your score — in seconds.</p> <a href="https://examdeutsch.com">Get AI Writing Feedback →</a> <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/blog/telc-b1-h-rverstehen-all-3-parts-10-traps-4-week-plan-2026-free-pdf" style="background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);color:white;border:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.4)">telc B1 Hören Guide →</a> </div>
<h2 id="faq">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <details><summary>What happens if I miss a content point?</summary><p style="margin-top:10px">You lose the points for that criterion permanently — grammar cannot compensate. This is the most common cause of poor Schreiben scores. Always re-read your completed email against all 4 numbered points before finishing.</p></details> <details><summary>Should I write more than 140 words?</summary><p style="margin-top:10px">Generally no. Longer texts risk introducing more errors and waste time you need for other sections. 120–140 words covers all 4 points with language variety. If you finish early, proofread — especially register consistency.</p></details> <details><summary>Can I mix formal and informal in one email?</summary><p style="margin-top:10px">Never. This is one of the most penalised errors. If you start with "Sehr geehrte Frau Müller", use Sie throughout. If you start with "Liebe Anna", use du throughout. No exceptions.</p></details> <details><summary>Does the Goethe B1 Schreiben work the same way?</summary><p style="margin-top:10px">Very similarly. Goethe B1 gives you 60 minutes total for the entire Schreiben module (longer). The same template, 4-point structure, and connector toolkit applies. The key difference: Goethe sometimes has a slightly different task type (e.g. posting a comment or note rather than an email).</p></details>
<h2>Related guides</h2> <div class="rel-grid"> <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/blog/b1-redemittel-120-phrases-for-goethe-telc-speaking-exam-2026-free-pdf" class="rel-card"><div class="icon">🗣️</div><div class="title">B1 Redemittel (120 Phrases)</div><div class="desc">Complete speaking phrase guide for Gemeinsam planen.</div></a> <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/blog/goethe-b1-lesen-complete-strategy-guide-for-all-5-parts-2026-free-pdf" class="rel-card"><div class="icon">📖</div><div class="title">Goethe B1 Lesen Guide</div><div class="desc">All 5 parts, optimal order, and synonym traps.</div></a> <a href="https://examdeutsch.com/blog/telc-b1-h-rverstehen-all-3-parts-10-traps-4-week-plan-2026-free-pdf" class="rel-card"><div class="icon">🎧</div><div class="title">telc B1 Hörverstehen</div><div class="desc">Teil 1 heard once vs Teil 2+3 twice — 10 traps.</div></a> </div>
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