Kernprinzip (Core Principle): Alle Teile der Aufgabe beantworten (Complete All Parts of the Prompt)
The #1 mistake in SDS writing: not answering all parts of the prompt. If the prompt says “apologize, explain why, suggest a new date” — you MUST do all three.
Strategie 1 (Strategy 1): Read the Prompt Twice
Before writing:
- Read the prompt once to understand the situation
- Read it again and count the tasks (how many things you must do)
- Mentally check off each task as you write
Example prompt: “Write an email to your boss. Ask for vacation. Say when and how long. Give a reason.” → Tasks: (1) ask for vacation (2) say when (3) say how long (4) give a reason = 4 items to include
Strategie 2 (Strategy 2): Use a Template
For emails, always use the same structure:
Betreff (Subject line)
↓
Anrede (Greeting)
↓
Einleitung (Why you're writing — 1 sentence)
↓
Hauptteil (Main content — answer all prompt tasks)
↓
Schluss (Closing sentence — thank you or request for reply)
↓
Gruss (Sign-off)
This structure works for A2, B1, AND B2 — just with more complexity at higher levels.
Strategie 3 (Strategy 3): Keep Sentences Short
At A2/B1 level:
- 1 idea per sentence
- Use simple Konnektoren (connectors): und, aber, weil, deshalb, dann
- Avoid long subordinate clauses if you’re not confident
At B2 level:
- Combine sentences with Konnektoren (connectors): obwohl, trotzdem, einerseits/andererseits
- Use relative clauses: Die Firma, bei der ich arbeite, bietet Weiterbildungen an.
- Show range: alternate between simple and complex sentences
Strategie 4 (Strategy 4): Formell vs. Informell (Formal vs. Informal)
Know which register to use:
| Formell (Formal) — Sie | Informell (Informal) — du |
|---|---|
| Employer, landlord, school, authority | Friend, close colleague, family |
| Sehr geehrte/r… | Liebe/r… or Hallo… |
| Könnten Sie… / Ich würde gerne… | Kannst du… / Ich möchte… |
| Mit freundlichen Grüssen | Liebe Grüsse / Bis bald |
When in doubt, use formal. It’s never wrong to be too polite.
Strategie 5 (Strategy 5): Pro/Contra-Struktur (B2)
For opinion texts, use this template:
Paragraph 1: Introduction — state the topic and why it's relevant
Paragraph 2: Arguments FOR (2 points with examples)
Paragraph 3: Arguments AGAINST (2 points with examples)
Paragraph 4: Your opinion + conclusion
Target: ~200 words. Practice until you can write this in 15–20 minutes.
Häufige Fehler (Common Mistakes to Avoid)
| Fehler (Mistake) | Lösung (Fix) |
|---|---|
| Forgetting the Anrede (greeting) | Always start with Sehr geehrte/r… or Liebe/r… |
| Forgetting the Betreffzeile (subject line) | Add a short, clear Betreff before the greeting |
| Forgetting the Grussformel (sign-off) | Always end with Freundliche Grüsse + your name |
| Not answering all parts | Count the tasks in the prompt before writing |
| Wrong register | Formell (formal) for authority/employer, informell (informal) for friends |
| No Konnektoren (connectors) | Use at least 3 Konnektoren (connectors) per email |
| Substantiv (Noun) not capitalized | ALL German Substantive (nouns) start with a capital letter |
| Missing Umlaute | Practice typing ä, ö, ü on a tablet keyboard |
Übungsplan (Practice Schedule)
| Typ (Type) | Häufigkeit (Frequency) | Ziel (Target) |
|---|---|---|
| Short emails (A2) | 2x per week | 20 total before exam |
| Job-related emails (B1) | 2x per week | 10 total before exam |
| Pro/contra texts (B2) | 1x per week | 5 total before exam |
| Form filling (pre-A1/A1) | 3x total | Comfortable with all fields |
| Text message replies (A1) | 5x total | Quick and natural |