Goethe B1 Writing Part 3: What Topics Come Up?

The short answer: Part 3 is a semi-formal email

In Part 3 of the Goethe Certificate B1 (Writing module), you write a short email of about 40 words. You write to someone you address formally with Sie, not informally with du: for example to your course instructor, a teacher, a trainer, or a supervisor. This form is called “semi-formal.” The topic is almost always similar: you cancel an appointment or apologize because you cannot come. You have about 15 minutes for this.

The entire Writing module lasts 60 minutes and has three tasks. Part 3 is the shortest task, but many test-takers lose points here because they forget the greeting or closing.

What topics typically come up in Part 3?

The exact situation changes, but the pattern stays the same. You respond to a brief everyday situation and write politely. Common topics include:

• You cannot make an appointment or class and cancel.
• You apologize because you arrive late or missed something.
• You ask for a new appointment or reschedule a meeting.
• You cancel an appointment with a teacher or official agency.
• You thank someone and give brief feedback.

In the task there are usually two or three points you must address. For example: state a reason, apologize, and make a new suggestion. Always address all points, or you’ll lose points in the “Content” criterion.

How to structure the email (step by step)

1. Greeting: Write “Dear Ms…” (Sehr geehrte Frau …,) or “Dear Mr…” (Sehr geehrter Herr …,). After the comma, continue with lowercase.
2. Introduction: A brief sentence explaining why you are writing. Example: “I am writing to you because I unfortunately cannot come to class tomorrow.”
3. Reason: State the reason. Example: “I am sick and must see a doctor.”
4. Response or Suggestion: Ask for something or make a suggestion. Example: “Could you please send me the homework?”
5. Closing: End with “Best regards” (Mit freundlichen Grüssen) and your name.

This clear structure also helps with the evaluation criterion “Text structure” (coherence). We practice these exact letter and email building blocks step by step in the V-IZ B1 course.

Example for Part 3 (approx. 40 words)

Dear Ms. Mueller,

I am writing to you because I unfortunately cannot come to German class tomorrow. I am sick and must see a doctor. Could you please send me the assignments by email? Thank you very much for your understanding.

Best regards Maria Silva

This text has a clear greeting, a reason, a polite request, and a closing. That is exactly what the exam expects.

What the examiners evaluate

Part 3 is assessed on four criteria: Content (have you addressed all points?), Coherence/Text structure (does the structure fit, are there a greeting and closing?), Vocabulary (appropriate words), and Grammar (structures). Even a small error in tone stands out quickly in such a short text. Write politely and completely.

Common mistakes that cost points

• Forgetting the greeting or closing.
• Addressing the recipient informally with du when you should use Sie formally.
• Forgetting a point from the task.
• Writing too short or too long (about 40 words is the goal).

Good to know: the entire B1 Writing module

So you can put Part 3 in perspective, here’s an overview of the three tasks. Part 1 is usually an informal message to a friend (you use du). Part 2 is a forum post where you write your opinion on a topic. Part 3 is the short semi-formal email we’re discussing here. The Goethe Certificate B1 consists of four modules (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking). You can take the modules individually and also repeat them individually if one module doesn’t work out. A module is passed starting at 60 percent of points.

Conclusion

Part 3 is short but important. Remember the fixed pattern: semi-formal email, about 40 words, greeting with “Dear” (Sehr geehrte/r), a clear reason, a polite request, and a closing at the end. The most common topic is a cancellation or apology. If you master these building blocks confidently and cover all task points, you’ll reliably earn points here. With targeted writing practice, for example in the B1 course with a real teacher and AI email trainer, Part 3 quickly becomes a reliable task.