Goethe-Institut Sample Test Tasks - Paper 2, Writing Part 2

Sep 28, 2026

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German qualification guidance for Start Deutsch 1, including CEFR A1 writing specifications and the structure of the overall exam system. Focus is on the writing component (Paper 2: Reading and Writing) and, specifically, Writing Part 2, where candidates produce a short authentic written message of 25–35 words responding to three bullet-point prompts. It details task purpose, format, mark distribution, rating by trained raters, and effective-level development criteria, plus a sample travel letter to Berlin tourist information.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages28

Reading Time1 h 11 min

AccessFree to download

Background to the Examination

Structure of the Test

Writing Paper, Part 2

Mark distribution

Task Rating

Effective Level

Sample task

forward > < Back Index > The CEFR Grids for Writing, developed by ALTE members Goethe-Institut Sample Test Tasks | Report on analysis of | Start Deutsch 1 (Writing) | | --- | --- | | Target language of this test | German | | Target level (CEFR) of this test | A1 | | Task number/name | Paper 2, Writing Part 2 | General Information about the writing component * | 3 | Number of tasks in the writing paper | 2 writing tasks | | --- | --- | --- | | 4 | Integration of skills | Writing (with written input) | | 5 | Total test time | 45 minutes inc. reading section | | 6 | Target performance level | A1 | | 7 | Channel | Handwritten | | 8 | Purpose | General proficiency | Background to the Examination The examination Start Deutsch 1 is a general German qualification which was developed in co-operation with the Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH (WBT) and which is part of the Main-suite Examinations of the Goethe-Institut since spring 2004. Set at level A1 of the CEFR, Start Deutsch 1 recognises the ability to cope with everyday written and spoken communication at a basic level. Start Deutsch 1 is designed for learners who have basic German skills of the kind needed when travelling in a foreign country. * The numbers in the left hand column of the tables refer to the categories in the ALTE CEFR Writing Grid forward > < Back Index > Candidature Start Deutsch 1 has been offered since spring 2004. 863 candidates have so far taken this examination. Structure of the Test Start Deutsch 1 tests the skills of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking – with each skill equally weighted at 25% . It is administered in three separate papers; Paper 1: Listening, Paper 2: Reading and Writing and Paper 3: Speaking. There are five possible grades in Start Deutsch 1: four pass grades (very good, good, satisfactory, pass) and one fail grade. Results are based on the candidate’s aggregate scores across the four skills. In order to pass, candidates must achieve at least 60% of the total marks. Start Deutsch 1 Reading and Writing Paper The paper has a fixed format, with Parts 1-3 testing reading skills through a variety of texts (simple short letters and short notices) . Part 1 and 2 of the Writing Paper test writing skills in two formats: filling in a form and writing a short letter. In the writing section, candidates are assessed on their ability to produce written German at word, sentence and text level. They are expected to complete short gaps in simple texts, and to ask for information in a short letter, showing reasonable control of structure, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation. Writing Paper, Part 2 In this task, candidates are given the opportunity to show that they can communicate a written message (25-35 words) of an authentic type, for example a short letter to a tourist information office. The instructions indicate the type of message required, who it is for and what kind of information should be included. Candidates must respond to the prompts in all three bullet points. All points must be addressed in order to complete the task fully. Mark distribution There are 3 marks given for each of the 3 bullet points and 1 mark overall for communicative appropriateness (altogether 10 marks maximum) . Candidates at this level are not expected to produce faultless German, but, to achieve the maximum marks, a candidate should write a clear message which successfully communicates all three elements of the required information, with only minor grammatical and spelling errors. A great variety of acceptable answers is possible. Task Rating The rating scale takes the form of a set of two band descriptors from 0 – 3 (task fulfilment) and from 0 – 1 (communicative appropriateness) . The exam is marked by two trained raters. Grammatical form, spelling, structural correctness is considered along with task fulfilment when rating. Effective Level All Start Deutsch 1 Writing tasks are constructed on the basis of ex

FAQs

What does Start Deutsch 1 Writing Part 2 require candidates to do?

Candidates write a short authentic message (25–35 words) responding to the prompt’s instructions, including all three bullet points in order.

How are marks distributed for Writing Part 2?

There are 3 marks for each of the 3 bullet points and 1 additional mark for communicative appropriateness, for a maximum of 10 marks.

What does the rating scale consider for this task?

Rating uses two band descriptors: task fulfilment (0–3) and communicative appropriateness (0–1), considering grammatical form, spelling, structural correctness, and how well the task is fulfilled.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by vwvw