My Struggle (and Small Victories) with the TELC B1.2 Writing – Application Form

Okay, deep breath. This is embarrassing to write about, but I need to talk about this TELC exam. Seriously, it felt like a massive wall between me and… well, getting a decent job here in Berlin. The “Submit an Application” writing task? It’s terrifying. I’m starting a new life, working as a barista at “Café am Brand,” and every time I see a company posting for a position – even just part-time – I get this knot of anxiety. They almost always require an application form, and that means one thing: this exam.

The Brief – What Were They Actually Asking?

The instructions were pretty standard, I think. Basically, you’re writing a letter or email (depending on the task) explaining why you’re applying for a job. Details like my skills, experience (which is admittedly limited to making lattes!), and enthusiasm are supposed to shine through. The TELC examiners are looking for clarity, correct grammar (as much as possible – let’s be honest), and an overall professional impression. The big thing was using appropriate language; I realized after the first attempt that overly casual English just wasn’t going to cut it here.

My First Attempt: A Complete Disaster (“Schrecklich!”)

I decided to write a formal email. It started off okay, I thought. “Sehr geehrte/r Frau Müller,” (Dear Ms. Müller – I even used the correct address!), “Ich schreibe Ihnen, um mich für die Stelle als…” (I am writing to you to apply for the position as…). Then… it just spiraled. I went on about how much I love coffee (totally irrelevant!) and how I’m a hard worker (again, obvious!). I even included this phrase: “Ich bin ein sehr eifriger Mensch” – which felt incredibly awkward to say out loud.

My biggest mistake? I didn’t tailor it at all! It read like a generic cover letter that could be sent to any company. And the grammar… Ach du meine Güte (Oh my goodness!) – it was awful. I’d used “Ich gehe” (I go) repeatedly when I should have been using the present tense – apparently, my future as a barista isn’t dependent on my current habit of going to the supermarket! My colleague, Lars, who speaks fluent German, gently pointed out that it sounded like a teenager writing. He said, “Es klingt unprofessionell.” (It sounds unprofessional.) Harsh, but true.

Useful Phrases & Vocabulary – Things I Actually Used

Lars helped me tremendously. We spent an hour going through some key phrases. These are the things I actually found helpful, and that I can now use:

• “Ich bin sehr interessiert an…” (I am very interested in…) – Perfect for expressing enthusiasm about a role.
• “Meine Stärken liegen in…” (My strengths lie in…) – Instead of just saying “I’m good at things,” this sounds much more confident. Example: “Meine Stärken liegen in der Zubereitung von Kaffee und dem Umgang mit Kunden.” (My strengths lie in preparing coffee and dealing with customers.)
• “Ich bin ein teamfähiger Mitarbeiter/eine teamfähige Mitarbeiterin.” (I am a team-player.) – Essential for almost any job!
• “Ich freue mich über die Möglichkeit,…” (I’m delighted about the opportunity to…) – Always polite and professional.

A More Successful Attempt (Finally!)

After a lot of practice (and Lars’ constant corrections!), I attempted another application. This time, I focused on highlighting my relevant skills: making different types of coffee drinks, interacting with customers, working in a fast-paced environment. I kept it concise and professional.

Here’s a little snippet of what I wrote (simplified for clarity):

“Sehr geehrte/r Frau Schmidt,

mit großem Interesse habe ich Ihre Stellenanzeige gelesen und möchte mich hiermit um die Stelle als Barista in Ihrem Café bewerben. Ich bin erfahren in der Zubereitung von Kaffeegetränken wie Cappuccino und Latte Macchiato und verfüge über gute Kommunikationsfähigkeiten im Umgang mit Kunden. Ich bin ein zuverlässiger Mitarbeiter und freue mich über die Möglichkeit, Teil Ihres Teams zu werden.”

(Dear Ms. Schmidt, I read your advertisement with great interest and would like to apply for the position of barista in your café. I am experienced in preparing coffee drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato and have good communication skills when dealing with customers. I am a reliable employee and am delighted about the opportunity to become part of your team.)

The Little Things That Matter – Mistakes to Avoid

I learned so many lessons during this process. Here are some things that tripped me up (and hopefully will trip you up too):

• Formal vs. Informal: Using “du” (informal “you”) with a company is a massive no-no. Always stick with “Sie.”
• Overusing “Ich”: It feels natural to say “I”, but in German, it’s often better to avoid repetition – especially when the sentence already clearly states who’s doing something.
• Don’t just list skills: Connect your skills to the job requirements. Explain why they are relevant!

My Current Feelings (Mostly Hopeful)

The TELC B1.2 Writing exam still feels daunting, but now I have a much better understanding of what’s expected. I realize it’s not about being perfect – Lars keeps reminding me that – it’s about communicating clearly and professionally. I even got an interview at “Café am Brand” after submitting my application! It wasn’t because of the exam result, but it felt like a huge step forward. Ich glaube an mich! (I believe in myself!)

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