Checkliste for all Writings
Content
 Have you included all sub-topics/ ideas pertinent to the main topic?
 Check if the essay has structure. Is the first paragraph a clear introduction, telling the reader what
you are writing about and why? If applicable, is your thesis clear?
 Check if each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and a purpose. Check if the sentences in the
paragraph contribute to this purpose.
 Do you have a conclusive paragraph at the end? This paragraph should include a short summary of
your main arguments and your personal conclusion.
Format
 All writing other than homework must be typed. Handwritten work will not be accepted
 Is your text double-spaced, 1 inch margin all around, 12 point font size (Times New Roman), 250
words= 1 page?
 The number of words in the essay should minimally fulfill the required number of words.
 Do you have a title?
 Is your writing divided into logical paragraphs?
 (If applicable to the assignment :) Did you credit all quotes? If you use sources other than a basic
text you refer back to, make sure to include a bibliography.
Grammar
 Verbs:
Is the verb regular or irregular? Did you choose the correct regular or irregular form?
Are you using the correct tense? Make sure you are consistent throughout the essay
unless otherwise necessary
Does the verb agree with the subject? Check the conjugation.
Are you using the preposition the verb requires (if it requires a preposition)? Are you
using the preposition with the correct case? Consult a dictionary if necessary.
Is the verb spelled correctly?
Is there more than one verb in the sentence? Is the second verb in infinitive?
If you use the Perfekt, did you employ the correct participle for this verb?
Did you use the correct word order? Does the verb appear in second position for a
statement sentence, last position in a subordinate clause? If you have two verbs, is one
in second position and conjugate, the second verb (or participle) at the end?

Adjectives
Did you choose the correct adjective ending (gender of the noun, number, case)?

Word Order
Is the conjugated verb in second position for a statement sentence or coordinated
sentence?
Is the conjugated verb at the end for a dependent clause, beginning with a subordinating
conjunction such as: wenn, weil, als, ob, dass, falls, nachdem, seitdem, obwohl etc?
If you have more than one verb in the sentence, do the verbs appear in the correct
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positions?
statement: conjugated verb in 2nd position, other verb/participle at the end (e.g.
with modal verbs, in perfect tense
subordinate clause: conjugated verb at the very end, other verb/participle also at
the end before the conjugated verb

Nouns
Did you capitalize all nouns?
Do you have the correct article and number?
Are you using the noun in the correct case? (Check for function of the noun in the sentence;
check if the noun is preceded by a preposition)

Prepositions
Is the preposition appropriate for the context?
Should the preposition be followed by DAT, AKK, GEN?
Is the preposition a two-way preposition? Double-check if it should be DAT or AKK

Relative Pronouns
Is the relative pronoun the same gender and number as the antecedent?
Is the case chosen according to the function of the relative pronoun in the sentence in
which it appears?

Spelling
Check the text for spelling mistakes. See if repeated words are spelled consistently. If you
are not certain about the spelling of a word, look it up in your dictionary or textbook.
Make sure all nouns are using capital letters and that ,ich” is not automatically capitalized.

Anglicisms
Make sure you did not simply translate English expressions or idioms into German - they
will most likely be wrong.

Generalizations
Did you avoid overly general words such as gut, schlecht, machen, sagen, Dinge,Sachen,
etwas? If not, replace them with more precise vocabulary.
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