TELC B1 Schreiben (Schriftlicher Ausdruck) is graded out of 45 points by two examiners. Each marks three criteria worth up to 15 points each: Inhalt, Kommunikative Gestaltung, and Sprache.
Knowing the rubric lets you write for points, not prose.
The task in 30 seconds
You receive a prompt with four bullet points (Stichpunkte). In 30 minutes, write an email or letter that:
- Addresses every bullet point
- Uses appropriate register (formal Sie vs. informal du)
- Shows B1 grammar range (connectors, past tense, modal verbs)
See letter templates and our Writing pillar guide.
The three grading criteria
1. Inhalt (Content) — 15 points
| Score range | What examiners look for |
|---|---|
| 13–15 | All four bullet points fully addressed; relevant detail |
| 10–12 | All points touched; some thin or vague |
| 7–9 | One point missing or seriously underdeveloped |
| Below 7 | Multiple points ignored |
Tip: Map bullets to paragraphs. One paragraph per bullet = zero missed points.
2. Kommunikative Gestaltung (Communicative design) — 15 points
Covers structure, salutation, closing, and flow:
- Correct opening (Sehr geehrte Frau Müller, / Liebe Anna,)
- Logical paragraph order
- Appropriate closing (Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Viele Grüße)
- Text functions as a real email, not a list of sentences
Tip: Use connecters: Außerdem, Deshalb, Trotzdem, Deswegen.
3. Sprache (Language) — 15 points
Grammar, vocabulary, spelling:
- B1 structures: weil/dass clauses, Konjunktiv II, passive, Präteritum
- Vocabulary fit for the topic (complaint, invitation, information request)
- Few errors that impede understanding
Tip: One Konjunktiv II and one passive sentence signal B1 competence — see Konjunktiv & Passiv guide.
How two examiners combine scores
Each examiner awards up to 45 points. Your final Schreiben score is typically the average of both. Discrepancies above a threshold trigger a third review.
Full exam scoring context: 300-point system.
Prepare the theory free; practice writing under a timer
Free on SprachFlow:
- All Schreiben theory — rubrics, templates, grammar checklist
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- AI-graded mock letters with feedback on all three criteria
- Requires a 3-month pass after your free Leseverstehen Teil 1 trial
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FAQ
Do I lose points for going over the word count?
No official word limit exists, but 30 minutes caps length. Aim for 120–180 words.
Formal or informal — how do I know?
The task specifies the relationship. When in doubt, semi-formal Sie is safer for unknown recipients.
Can AI grading match real examiners?
AI mirrors the three-criterion rubric closely enough for practice feedback; final scores always come from certified TELC examiners.