DTZ Writing: Structure, Example, and Tips for B1

The short answer: how to write the DTZ letter

In the DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer), the “writing” section has just one task: you receive a short situation and four content points called key points. From these, you write a message or letter. You have about 30 minutes for this.

The most important tip upfront: the structure is always the same. Once you master it well, all you need to do in the exam is fill in the four key points. You are graded on four things: content (are all points covered?), communicative design (appropriate greeting, introduction, closing), correctness (grammar), and vocabulary.

The structure of a DTZ letter step by step

A complete letter always has these parts:

1. Place and date (top right), e.g. “Mannheim, 19.06.2026”
2. Greeting (formal or semi-formal)
3. Introduction: why are you writing?
4. Main section: here you cover all four key points
5. Closing sentence: a polite request or thanks
6. Closing phrase
7. Your name

Formal or semi-formal? The right greeting

In the DTZ you usually write to a company, government office, landlord, or school. Then the letter is formal:

• You do not know the name: “Dear Sir or Madam,”
• You know the name: “Dear Ms. Müller,” or “Dear Mr. Bauer,”

Sometimes you write to someone you know, for example a neighbor or colleague. Then the letter is semi-formal:

• “Dear Ms. Yilmaz,” or “Dear Mr. Schmidt,”

Important: after the greeting comes a comma, and the next word is written in lowercase (except for “You”).

The appropriate closing phrase

• Formal: “Yours faithfully”
• Semi-formal: “Best regards” or “Warm regards”

After the closing phrase there is no comma. On the next line you write your name.

Example: a complete DTZ letter

Task: You had an appointment with the doctor but cannot come. Write an email to the practice. Key points:

• Reason: you are sick
• Cancel appointment
• Ask for a new appointment
• Apologize

Sample letter:

Mannheim, 19.06.2026

Dear Sir or Madam,

I have an appointment with you on Monday, June 22, at 10 a.m. Unfortunately, I cannot keep this appointment.

The reason is that I have been sick since yesterday and have a high fever. Therefore, I must unfortunately cancel the appointment.

Could you please give me a new appointment? Afternoon works best for me, but I am flexible.

I apologize for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your help.

Yours faithfully Amir Hassan

See: each key point stands in its own sentence. This way the examiner can see at a glance that all four points are covered.

Fixed phrases that always work

Memorize these sentences. They work in almost every task.

Introduction:

• “I am writing to you because…”
• “Thank you for your email from…”
• “I read your advertisement and am interested in…”

To ask for something:

• “Could you please send me…?”
• “I would like to ask you to…”

To apologize / give a reason:

• “Unfortunately I cannot…, because…”
• “I’m sorry that…”

Closing:

• “Thank you in advance.”
• “I would be happy to hear from you soon.”

The 5 most common mistakes in the DTZ letter

1. One key point is missing. This costs the most points. Check off each point after writing.
2. Wrong greeting or wrong closing (formal instead of semi-formal or vice versa).
3. Too short. Write one to two sentences per key point, not just three words.
4. No linking words. Use “because,” “therefore,” “but,” “and” for a flowing text.
5. No closing sentence before the closing phrase. A polite sentence like “Thank you in advance” rounds off the letter nicely.

How to practice best for the DTZ

Writing is training. If you practice the structure five to ten times with different topics, you will write almost automatically in the exam. Collect typical DTZ topics: cancel an appointment, complain, sign up for something, reply to an advertisement, book a course.

It helps if someone corrects your letters and tells you whether all key points are clear and the grammar is correct. That is exactly what our B1 online German course offers, an AI trainer that checks your letters immediately, plus videos with a real German-as-a-foreign-language teacher. This way you quickly see where you are still uncertain and go into the exam with a solid system.

Conclusion

The DTZ letter is achievable because it follows a clear pattern: greeting, introduction, four key points in the main section, closing sentence, and closing phrase. Memorize the structure and a few fixed phrases, really answer every key point in the exam, and check the greeting and closing at the end. If you practice this a few times, you will write your letter calmly and confidently. A structured B1 preparation course will help you train your writing specifically.