German Informal Letters: Tips, Examples and Exam Practice

When you are learning German, knowing how to write informal letters in German (informelle Briefe) is a necessary skill. Whether it’s a postcard, an email to a friend or a short note to family, informal letter writing helps you sound more natural and personal.

In this guide, you’ll learn the structure of informal letters, common phrases, and see German letter writing examples with translations, comments, and exam tips.

Why Learn Informal Letter Writing in German?

• It helps you practice real-life communication.

• It improves your grammar and vocabulary in a natural context.

• You can connect better with friends, pen pals, or exchange partners.

Now let’s break down the steps to write your own informal letter in German.

Greetings (Anrede) in Informal German Letters

In informal German letters use friendly greetings like:

• Lieber Max, (Dear Max – for men)

• Liebe Anna, (Dear Anna – for women)

• Hallo Paul, (Hello Paul)

• Hi Sophie, (Hi Sophie – very casual)

Starting Your Letter

A good German letter usually begins with a warm opening:

• Wie geht es dir? (How are you?)

• Ich hoffe, es geht dir gut. (I hope you’re doing well.)

• Vielen Dank für deinen Brief. (Thank you for your letter.)

This makes your writing friendly and authentic.

The Body of the Letter

The main part is where you share news, ask questions, or tell a story. Keep it conversational, as if you were speaking to the person:

• Ich möchte dir erzählen… (I want to tell you…)

• Nächstes Wochenende werde ich… (Next weekend I will…)

• Es war so schön, dich zu sehen. (It was so nice to see you.)

Closing and Farewells in German

Endings are just as important as greetings. Here are common German letter closings:

• Viele Grüße (Best regards)

• Liebe Grüße (Kind regards – very common among friends)

• Alles Liebe (Lots of love)

• Bis bald (See you soon)

• Deine Anna / Dein Max (Yours, Anna / Max)

Useful Tips for Informal Letters in the Goethe Exam

In the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 exam writing an informal letter or email is often part of the writing task (Schreiben). Here’s how to succeed:

1. Follow the Task Instructions Exactly

   • The exam usually gives you 3–4 points you must include (e.g., ask about time, thank for invitation, suggest something).

   • Answer all points clearly.

2. Keep It Simple and Correct

   • Use short sentences instead of long, complex ones.

   • Example: Wann beginnt das Konzert? is better than a long subordinate clause.

3. Use Standard Letter Structure

   • Greeting (Anrede): Lieber … / Liebe …

   • Introduction: Vielen Dank für …

   • Main body: answer all exam points.

   • Closing: Liebe Grüße / Viele Grüße + your name.

4. Mind the Formality

   • Use du, not Sie.

   • Keep it friendly, but not too casual (avoid too much slang).

5. Check Grammar Basics

   • Verb second position in statements: Ich komme morgen.

   • Nouns start with a capital letter: Hotel, Konzert, Einladung.

6. Word Count (A1)

   • Write about 30–40 words.

   • Make sure it’s not too short — cover all points with 2–3 sentences each.

7. Use Simple Connectors

   • und (and), aber (but), denn (because), weil (because).

   • Example: Ich komme morgen, aber ich habe wenig Zeit.

German Informal Letter: Invitation to a Birthday Party

Task to write an informal letter

Sie machen Ihre Geburtstagsparty am Sonntag. Sie laden Ihren Freund Lukas zur Party ein.
Beantworten Sie folgende Fragen:

• Warum machen Sie die Party?

• Wann und wo?

• Soll Lukas etwas zum Essen oder Trinken mitbringen?

Example Letter in German

Lieber Lukas,

wie geht's dir? Ich hoffe, gut!

Ich mache am Sonntag eine Party, weil ich Geburtstag habe. Ich möchte dich herzlich einladen.

Die Party beginnt um 18:00 Uhr im Club "Arabella". Kannst du bitte Cola, Saft und Hähnchen mitbringen?

Ruf mich an!

Bis bald!

Liebe Grüße

Anna

English Translation

Dear Lukas,

How are you? I hope you're well!

I'm having a party on Sunday because it's my birthday. I'd like to invite you.

The party starts at 6 p.m. at the Arabella club. Could you please bring some cola, juice, and chicken?

Give me a call!

See you soon!

Best regards,

Anna

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