Note (Junior Cert German): Revision Notes
Note
What is a note?
In the German writing exam, a note is a brief, casual message that delivers important information to someone you know. Notes are always informal in tone and should be direct and clear. You'll typically need to include specific details like times, places, or reasons whilst keeping your language simple and friendly.
German notes are fundamentally different from formal letters or emails. They're designed for quick communication between people who know each other well, so the tone should feel natural and conversational.
Guidelines for writing effective notes
Structure and content
When writing a German note, always include the five essential elements: who, what, where, when, and why. Start with a casual greeting appropriate for someone you know well. Keep your sentences short and straightforward - complex grammar isn't necessary or expected. Include specific details like times using the 24-hour format (18:00) and dates in German format (12.09).
Tone and register
Notes should feel personal and friendly. Use first names rather than formal titles, and choose casual greetings like "Hi" or "Hallo" rather than formal expressions. The language should sound natural, as if you're speaking to a friend or family member.
Always use "du" forms in your notes, never "Sie" forms. This is a critical distinction that examiners look for to ensure you understand the informal register required.
Practical considerations
Your handwriting must be clear and legible since this affects your marks. If the exam question provides a checklist of information to include, tick off each point as you write to ensure nothing is forgotten. Remember that accuracy in German word order matters, even in short sentences.
Phrase bank
Use this phrase bank as a quick reference during your exam. Focus on the most relevant expressions for your specific note scenario, and don't try to include too many phrases in one short message.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Notiz | Note |
| Zettel | Slip of paper |
| Nachricht | Message |
| Liebe/Lieber | Dear (informal) |
| Hallo | Hello |
| Hi | Hi |
| Bis bald | See you soon |
| Bis später | See you later |
| Ich bin... | I am... |
| Wir sind... | We are... |
| Ich gehe... | I am going... |
| Komme zurück um... | Coming back at... |
| Treffen | Meeting |
| Treffen wir uns um... | Let's meet at... |
| Danke | Thanks |
| Entschuldigung | Sorry |
| Kein Problem | No problem |
| Bitte | Please |
| Vergiss nicht... | Don't forget... |
| Ruf mich an | Call me |
| Handy | Mobile phone |
| Adresse | Address |
| Zeit | Time |
| Datum | Date |
| Ort | Place |
| Grund | Reason |
| weil | because |
| dann | then |
| später | later |
| früh | early |
| pünktlich | on time |
| vielleicht | maybe |
| sicher | sure |
| dringend | urgent |
| wichtig | important |
| bald | soon |
Common mistakes and tips
Register and tone errors
Many students accidentally use formal language when notes should be casual. Avoid "Sie" forms and formal greetings - stick to "du" forms and friendly openings. Don't write "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" (formal closing) when "Bis bald" or simply signing your name is more appropriate.
Avoid This Common Mistake: Writing "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" (formal closing) in a note is like writing "Yours sincerely" to your best friend. Stick to casual closings like "Bis bald" or just your first name.
Missing essential information
The most common mistake is forgetting to include all the key details requested. Whether it's explaining why you're leaving a note, giving specific meeting times, or providing a phone number, missing information costs marks. Always double-check that you've covered who, what, where, when, and why.
Worked Example: Complete Note Structure
"Hi Anna, Ich gehe heute um 15:00 ins Kino (what + when). Treffen wir uns um 14:30 vor dem Bahnhof (where)? Der neue Film läuft nur heute (why). Ruf mich an! (contact info) Bis später, Max"
This note includes all five essential elements in a natural, conversational way.
German word order problems
Even in short sentences, German word order rules apply. Remember that the verb comes second in main clauses, and time expressions often come before place expressions. For example: "Ich gehe heute ins Kino" not "Ich gehe ins Kino heute."
Spelling and accuracy issues
Pay special attention to spelling German names and places correctly, especially those with umlauts (ä, ö, ü) or ß. Also, be careful with numbers and times - use the German format and double-check your figures.
Overcomplicating the message
Notes should be brief and direct. Don't try to impress with complex sentences or advanced vocabulary. Clear, simple German that communicates your message effectively will score better than complicated language with errors.
Key Points to Remember:
- Notes are informal messages between people you know - use casual greetings and "du" form
- Always include the five W's: who, what, where, when, and why
- Keep sentences short and clear - complex grammar isn't needed
- Use numbers for times (18:00) and dates (12.09) in German format
- Check your German word order even in brief sentences, and ensure all German spelling is accurate