How to Write a German “Erörterung” (Discussion Essay) — Clear Steps for Unterstufe & Abitur
What It Is (And Why It Matters)
The “Erörterung” is a classic in German classes and a favourite in exams because it tests both structure and thinking. You show that you can weigh ideas, build a line of argument, and arrive at a justified conclusion—skills that count in Unterstufe and are essential for the Abitur.
Choose the Right Type
Before writing, decide which kind you need. In a linear discussion, you build your position step by step and end with a clear conclusion. In a dialectical discussion, you weigh pros and cons and then take a justified stance. In both cases, the introduction defines the question, the main part develops reasons with examples, and the conclusion answers the question without introducing anything new.
Plan First (Two Minutes That Pay Off)
Good writing begins with planning. Note your guiding question in one sentence, then write down two or three reasons that truly support your line of thought. Add one short, concrete example for each reason. Keep the plan visible while you write.
Build Paragraphs That Actually Argue
Give each paragraph one main idea. Start with a clear topic sentence, explain why it matters, and back it with a specific example (school, daily life, short study, text reference). Use connectors so the logic is visible: erstens, außerdem, jedoch, deshalb, zum Beispiel.
Linear vs. Dialectical in Practice
For a linear essay, arrange your reasons from strong to strongest and move steadily toward your conclusion. For a dialectical essay, present the pro side fairly, present the contra side fairly, and then write a weighing paragraph that explains which side carries more weight and why.
Style Tips (Clarity Beats Decoration)
Choose precise verbs (fördert, begrenzt, verbessert, verhindert). Vary your sentence openings. Keep sentences focused. Instead of listing facts, show why a point matters and what follows from it. Style helps, but clarity wins the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students want their texts to sound sophisticated and end up hiding the argument. Don’t. A strong “Erörterung” reads like a calm conversation with a clear mind behind it. You guide your reader through your thinking and arrive at a conclusion that feels earned.
Quick Self-Check at the End
If you have time, read your introduction and conclusion back to back—do they match the same answer? Then underline the key sentence of each paragraph. If you can’t find one, write it now and adjust the rest to match.
Timing That Works (20–30 Minutes)
Plan 2 minutes → Write intro + 2–3 body paragraphs → Write conclusion → Check 3 minutes (thesis visible, examples specific, connectors doing their job). Those last tweaks can lift a grade.
Try It Now (Mini Prompt)
Guiding question: Sollten Schüler*innen den öffentlichen Nahverkehr kostenlos nutzen?
Write a linear mini-plan (thesis + reasons + examples) or a dialectical outline (pro/contra + weighing). Then draft one body paragraph using the topic–explain–example pattern.