How many words should the letter have?

More important than a fixed number is that you clearly address all four key points in terms of content. A letter that cleanly covers all points is long enough.

Formal or informal — what is required?

That depends on the topic. If you're writing to an authority, a landlord, or a company, then formal. If you're writing to a known person from the course or a neighbor, semi-formal might be appropriate. The task provides the context.

What happens if I forget a key point?

Then an important part of the content is missing, and that costs points. Consciously take a minute at the end and check off each of the four points individually.

How is the letter graded?

Trained examiners look at three areas: content (are all key points addressed?), communicative design (appropriate salutation and closing, clear thread), and formal correctness (grammar and spelling).

Can I practice letters here with AI feedback?

Yes. You can directly work on a real DTZ writing task and get feedback on structure, key points, and language in a few minutes — without an account.

DTZ Letter Writing: Structure, Phrases, and Examples

Writing a letter with four key points in 30 minutes — with a clear structure, it becomes calm and manageable. We'll show you how.

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The Writing Task in the DTZ

In the writing section, you'll be given two topics to choose from and you select one. Then you write a letter in 30 minutes — semi-formal or formal, depending on the situation. You'll receive four key points, all of which you must address in your letter. This is what the examiners will look at first.

More important than the exact word count is that your letter clearly and understandably addresses all four key points. A short, well-structured letter with all points is better than a long letter where one point is missing.

The Correct Structure

Every DTZ letter has the same framework. Once you've internalized this framework, you won't waste time in the exam thinking about the format — you can concentrate on the content.

Place and date at the top right.
Salutation with the correct level of politeness (semi-formal or formal).
Introduction: Why are you writing? One sentence is enough.
Main body: all four key points, one to two sentences each — in a logical order, not mixed up.
Conclusion: Request for a reply, thanks, expectation.
Closing formula and your name.

Phrase Toolkit

These phrases cover the most common DTZ situations. Learn two to three fixed phrases per category — that's enough to start writing immediately in the exam.

Formal salutation: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, / Sehr geehrter Herr …, / Sehr geehrte Frau …,
Semi-formal salutation: Liebe Frau …, / Lieber Herr …,
Introduction: Ich schreibe Ihnen, weil … / Vielen Dank für Ihre Nachricht vom …
Requests: Könnten Sie mir bitte …? / Ich möchte Sie bitten, …
Complaint: Leider muss ich mich beschweren, weil … / Ich bin nicht zufrieden mit …
Cancelling an appointment: Leider kann ich am … nicht kommen. Wäre ein anderer Termin möglich?
Closing: Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort. / Vielen Dank im Voraus für Ihre Unterstützung.
Formal closing: Mit freundlichen Grüßen; semi-formal: Viele Grüße

Common Mistakes

The most frequent point deductions in DTZ writing are almost always the same. If you know these three traps, you can easily avoid them.

Forgetting a key point. At the end, go through all four points again.
Incorrect salutation. Check: Do you know the person personally? If not, use formal.
Writing too short. Not just a single half-sentence per key point — rather two full sentences.
No clear thread. Connect sentences with weil, deshalb, aber, außerdem.
Forgetting the closing formula or signature.

Practice with AI Feedback

You only learn to write by seeing what's good and what's not yet. Traditional correction takes days — with us, you get feedback in minutes. The AI looks at the structure, the four key points, the salutation and closing, and linguistic accuracy.

You can revise the same letter multiple times and see after each version where you've improved. This is the fastest way to become more confident in writing.

An Example: Cancelling an Appointment

Let's take a typical task: You have an appointment with an authority. For a personal reason, you cannot attend. The four key points are: state the reason for your letter, explain the reason for the cancellation, ask for a new appointment, apologize for the inconvenience.

After the salutation »Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,« you begin with the reason: »Ich schreibe Ihnen wegen meines Termins am nächsten Dienstag.« Second key point in one to two sentences: »Leider muss ich diesen Termin absagen, weil ...« Third key point: »Könnten Sie mir bitte einen neuen Termin in der Woche darauf anbieten?« Fourth key point: »Für die Umstände möchte ich mich entschuldigen.« Closing: »Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, your name.«

That's the whole structure — a DTZ letter doesn't need more. If you've internalized this sequence in one or two practice letters, you'll write calmly and confidently even under time pressure.

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