B2 Business Letter Templates: 5 Comprehensive Samples via DIN 5008
Updated: · LexDeutsch editorial team
Practical business correspondence with precise wording, DIN 5008 formatting rules and the marking criteria for writing in telc B2 Beruf.
Which DIN 5008 rules apply to business letters?
Breaking DIN 5008 looks unprofessional and can cost points in the exam for layout and formal accuracy:
Bold font, NEVER contains the word "Subject:", NEVER a colon, and NEVER a trailing period.
Salutation ends with a comma. The first word of the following paragraph MUST be lowercase.
NEVER put a comma after "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" (common transfer error from English).
According to DIN 5008: either alphanumeric ("14. April 2026") or ISO 8601 ("2026-04-14"). Never use slashes.
5 vollständige Musterbriefe für Beruf & B2-Vorbereitung
Sample 1: Formal Notice of Defect & Deadline (Defects & Delays)
Scenario: Your company ordered 25 ergonomic office chairs. Upon delivery, 5 units are missing and 4 feature defective hydraulic mechanisms.
Wichtige B2-Redemittel in diesem Musterbrief:
What criteria is the letter marked on?
In telc B2 Beruf the reply to a complaint and the forum post are assessed on these four criteria; writing is one of four skills worth 60 points each:
Were all points of the task covered thoroughly, plausibly and accurately?
Adherence to DIN 5008, cohesive paragraphing and professional register.
Syntax, prepositional case valency, inflections and spelling precision.
Domain terminology, noun-verb idioms and nuanced connectors.
Practise your letters interactively
The Schreiben B2 Beruf guide covers structure, marking criteria and useful phrases. In the LexDeutsch writing trainer you practise with sentence templates for the complaint reply and the forum post, model sentences and sample letters.
Interactive Knowledge Check: DIN 5008 & Business Letters B2
Test your understanding of salutations, deadlines, and collocations with instant feedback.
1. What is the standard closing formula and punctuation in formal German business letters?
2. Which phrasing is ideal for a polite yet assertive request for a written statement?
3. Where and how is an enclosure notice placed according to DIN 5008 in a business letter?
4. Why are Noun-Verb Collocations (NVV) crucial in B2 Beruf letter templates?
Related B2/C1 Study Guides & Exam Modules
Deepen your German proficiency with our focused preparation guides for telc B2.
Noun-Verb Combinations in Business
Light verb collocations for telc B2 and workplace communication with exam tips.
telc B2 Beruf Part 1A: Talking About a Topic
About 2 minutes on a topic, no preparation time: a 5-phase plan and 4 model talks.
Business Letters & Emails (DIN 5008)
Phrases for subject, deadlines and sign-off plus ready-to-use email templates.
Prepositions with Genitive in Business
Mastering aufgrund, während, trotz correctly while avoiding common dative traps.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do you need in telc B2 Beruf writing?
Writing is one of four skills worth 60 points each (240 in total); it also includes the Sprachbausteine and the phone note. You pass with at least 144 of 240 points in total and at least 36 of 60 in at least three of the four skills; one weaker skill is compensated if it has 24–35 points.
Which letters come up in the exam?
In telc B2 Beruf (DTB B2) you write two texts: an email reply to a complaint ("Lesen und Schreiben", 20 minutes) and a forum post on topic A or B ("Sprachbausteine und Schreiben", 35 minutes). A notice of defects, an inquiry or an objection are not exam tasks, but good practice for vocabulary and letter form.
What happens if I write “Betreff:” before the subject?
Under DIN 5008 the subject line has no “Betreff:” label and no full stop at the end, and is usually bold. The label will not make you fail, but it looks outdated and can cost marks for layout.
How many words should a B2 business letter have?
There is no official word count in the exam; texts are marked against the criteria. What matters is that every point of the task is covered in detail and with reasons. LexDeutsch tip: about 150 words.
Can I put a comma after “Mit freundlichen Grüßen”?
No. In German there is no comma after “Mit freundlichen Grüßen”; adding one is a typical transfer error from English. After the salutation, on the other hand, you do put a comma, and the next sentence starts in lower case unless it begins with a noun.
Do I have to cover every point of the task?
Yes. Each point you leave out clearly costs marks for task completion (criterion I), so plan at least one paragraph per point.
What deadline should I set in a notice of defects?
Give a specific calendar date about 7 to 10 working days ahead. Vague phrases like “as soon as possible” do not set a clear deadline.