German B1Chapter 19 of 29

Formal Emails and Complaints

Write clear, polite messages when something goes wrong.

Learn how to write formal German emails and complaints for landlords, offices, services, shops, and course providers. You will practise explaining a problem, giving important details, asking for a solution, setting a polite deadline, and keeping the right tone for B1 exams and real life in Germany.

75 minLevel: B1

What this chapter covers

  • I can structure a formal German email with greeting, reason, details, request, and closing.
  • I can describe a problem politely and clearly.
  • I can ask for a solution, appointment, repair, refund, or reply.
  • I can use polite phrases with Konjunktiv II in formal writing.
  • I can write a B1-style complaint email with enough detail and appropriate tone.

What you will practise in the app

The full chapter includes 10 interactive exercises covering these formats:

  • Multiple choice questions
  • Vocabulary matching
  • Fill-in-the-blank sentences
  • Word order tasks
  • Listening comprehension
  • True or false statements
  • Translation practice
  • Guided writing task

Vocabulary: Formal Emails and Complaints

A small sample from this chapter's vocabulary set.

die Beschwerdecomplaint
die Rechnunginvoice/bill
der Vertragcontract
der Kundendienstcustomer service
der Vermieterlandlord

This is only a small sample. The full vocabulary set — with audio, example sentences, and grammar details — is available in the free app.

Grammar topics in this chapter

This chapter explains 3 grammar topics with plain-English explanations and structured exercises.

Formal Email Structure

Build a clear message from greeting to closing.

Describing Problems Politely

Explain what went wrong without sounding aggressive.

Requests, Deadlines, and Tone

Ask for a solution clearly and professionally.

Why this matters in Germany

This chapter helps you build German you can use in everyday situations in Germany — from understanding simple sentences to handling basic conversations, messages, appointments, study, work, and daily life. Practical language learned in context is easier to remember and use when it matters.

Practise the full chapter for free

Create a free account to access the full explanation, vocabulary set, interactive exercises, audio and listening practice where available, and progress tracking.

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