Writing (1) (Edexcel GCSE German): Revision Notes
Paper 4: Writing
Overview of the writing paper
The German writing paper tests your ability to communicate effectively in written German across different contexts and formats. Understanding the structure and requirements will help you approach each task with confidence.
The writing paper is structured to assess different skill levels and writing formats, progressing from simple descriptions to complex extended writing tasks.
Paper structure:
- Writing tasks: 3 tasks at Foundation tier, 2 tasks at Higher tier
- Translation task: One German-to-English translation (worth 10 marks)
- Total marks: 50 marks
- Timing: Foundation tier - 1 hour 15 minutes; Higher tier - 1 hour 20 minutes
The writing paper assesses your ability to express ideas clearly, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and adapt your writing style to different audiences and purposes.
Foundation tier: Question 1 (Photo description)
Question 1 appears only on the Foundation paper and requires you to describe a photograph using four short sentences in German. This task is worth 8 marks and tests your ability to observe details and express them accurately.
Key requirements for photo description:
- Write exactly four short sentences in German
- Keep sentences brief but ensure they contain a verb
- Focus on what you can actually see in the image
- Describe people, their appearance, location, and activities
Essential sentence starter:
- Es gibt (There is/There are) - This versatile phrase can begin most sentences and helps you avoid repetition
You can describe various elements systematically:
- Physical appearance: hair colour, height, clothing
- Location and setting: where people are positioned
- Activities: what people are doing
- Weather: if clearly visible in the image
| Useful vocabulary for descriptions | English |
|---|---|
| der Mann | the man |
| die Frau | the woman |
| sitzt | sits/is sitting |
| steht | stands/is standing |
| trägt | wears/is wearing |
| hat | has |
| trinkt | drinks/is drinking |
| dunkle Haare | dark hair |
| im Rollstuhl | in a wheelchair |
| Kaffee | coffee |
Worked Example: Photo Description
Sample sentences you might write for a photo showing people at a café:
- Der Mann sitzt in einem Rollstuhl. (The man sits in a wheelchair.)
- Die Frau hat dunkle Haare. (The woman has dark hair.)
- Sie trinken Kaffee. (They are drinking coffee.)
- Es gibt einen Tisch zwischen ihnen. (There is a table between them.)
Critical Exam Tip: Only describe what you can clearly see in the photograph. Avoid making assumptions or adding details that aren't visible. For example, don't write about a dog if there's no dog in the picture, even if your German is correct.
Longer writing tasks
Both Foundation and Higher tiers include longer writing tasks that require you to respond to bullet points within specific word limits. These tasks test your ability to develop ideas and use varied vocabulary and structures.
Foundation tier tasks:
- Question 2: Formal text (40-50 words, 14 marks)
- Question 3: Informal text (80-90 words, 18 marks)
Higher tier tasks:
- Question 1: Informal text (80-90 words, 18 marks)
- Question 2: Formal text (130-150 words, 22 marks)
Strategic approach to longer writing:
You must write about all bullet points given in the question, using the time frames indicated by each point. While you can write more extensively about one topic than another, ensure you address every requirement to avoid losing marks.
Word count guidance:
Stick to the expected word count range. The quality of your writing matters more than exceeding the word limit, as everything you write will be assessed for accuracy and relevance.
| Essential connectives | English |
|---|---|
| aber | but |
| deshalb | therefore |
| denn | because |
| weil | because |
| auch | also |
| dann | then |
| oder | or |
| und | and |
| Opinion phrases | English |
|---|---|
| Meiner Meinung nach | In my opinion |
| Ich glaube | I believe |
| Ich denke | I think |
| Ich finde | I find |
Worked Example: Using Connectives and Opinions
Sample sentences showing effective use of connectives and opinion phrases:
- Ich trinke gern Kaffee, aber Tee ist auch lecker. (I like drinking coffee, but tea is also tasty.)
- Meiner Meinung nach ist Sport sehr wichtig. (In my opinion, sport is very important.)
- Ich gehe gern schwimmen, weil es gesund ist. (I like swimming because it is healthy.)
Writing strategies and exam techniques
Before entering the exam, prepare thoroughly by reviewing relevant vocabulary and practising with conjunctions and opinion phrases. This preparation helps these elements come to you quickly during the exam.
During the exam:
- Use du (informal you) even in formal contexts if you prefer - this is acceptable
- Think carefully about your vocabulary choices and sentence structures
- Give opinions using phrases like Meiner Meinung nach or Ich glaube
- Provide reasons for your statements using denn or weil
Assessment criteria - ensure your writing is:
- Accurate: Correct any obvious mistakes you notice
- Clear: Make sure your sentences make logical sense
- Relevant: Double-check you've covered all bullet points thoroughly
- Developed: Include variety in your vocabulary and sentence structures
Final checking process: Always reserve time at the end to review your work systematically. Look for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and ensure you've addressed all requirements completely.
Translation practice
Worked Example: Translation Practice
German to English:
- Wir gehen heute ins Kino.
- Das Wetter ist sehr schön.
English to German: 3. I live in a small town. 4. My brother plays football every weekend.
Answers:
- We are going to the cinema today.
- The weather is very beautiful/nice.
- Ich wohne in einer kleinen Stadt.
- Mein Bruder spielt jeden Samstag/jedes Wochenende Fußball.
Key Points to Remember:
- Photo description: Write four short sentences about what you can actually see - never add details that aren't visible
- Word counts: Aim for the specified range but prioritise quality over quantity in your writing
- Bullet points: Address every single bullet point in longer writing tasks to avoid losing marks
- Vocabulary: Use Es gibt as a reliable sentence starter and include conjunctions like aber and deshalb to connect ideas
- Final check: Always review your work for accuracy, clarity, relevance, and development before submitting