How many words? German exam writing tasks from A1 to C2

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Does the word count matter?

Mostly as a guide. No body publishes a rule such as "minus 2 points per 10 missing words". What the marking criteria do check is whether you covered every content point and how well the text holds together. A text far below the number usually covers the points too thinly, and that costs points under task completion. A text far above it takes time you need for checking.

What if no word count is given?

In telc Deutsch B1 the task names four guiding points and gives 30 minutes, but no word count. Our rule of thumb: two to three sentences per point, about 100 to 150 words in total. Details are in telc B1 writing: word count and marking.

How to hit the number without counting

1. Count once at home. Write a practice text, count your words per line on the answer sheet, and you know how many lines make 150 words.
2. Plan by content points. For 150 words and four points, that is an introduction, about 30 words per point and a closing sentence.
3. Keep 5 to 10 minutes for checking verbs, endings and connectors. That brings more points than ten extra words.

You can practise writing with the real timing for Goethe B1, telc B1, Goethe B2 and every other exam in our practice area. For the Goethe B2 tasks in detail, see Goethe B2 writing.