Schreiben (Writing): Simple, Correct, Complete
What A1 writing really tests
A1 writing is a short message (a card, email, or SMS) of about 30 words, plus often a form. You are graded on communicative tasks (did you include all required points?), correct simple structures, and basic vocabulary. Ambition is your enemy: short, clear, correct sentences score best.
The concepts you must master: greetings and closings (Hallo…, Liebe/Lieber…, Viele Grüße, Bis bald), the three or four content points the task names (often: greet, say why you write, give a time/place, ask a question, sign off), W-questions (Wann? Wo? Wie?), the verb in position 2, and time/place phrases (am Samstag, um 19 Uhr, im Kino).
Traps to expect
- Missing a content point: if the task says "ask about the time," you must write a question. Tick each point off.
- Verb position: in a statement the verb is second ("Ich komme morgen"). In a yes/no question it comes first ("Kommst du?").
- Formal vs. informal: match the task. Friends = du/dein; strangers = Sie/Ihr.
- Capitals: all nouns are capitalised (Kino, Zeit, Freund).
- Over-writing: long, error-filled sentences lose more than they gain.
Rule of thumb
Use a template: (1) greeting, (2) one sentence per content point, (3) closing. Keep each sentence to subject + verb + object.
Worked example: Task: invite a friend to the cinema Saturday at 8, ask if they have time. "Hallo Anna, kommst du am Samstag um 20 Uhr ins Kino? Hast du Zeit? Viele Grüße Tom" Every point is covered in short, correct sentences - exactly what earns full marks.