Sachtextformel

Sachtextformel is a didactic concept used in German-language education to guide the planning and writing of factual texts (Sachtexte). It functions as a reusable template that helps learners achieve clarity, coherence, and objectivity by providing a concrete sequence for presenting information.

A typical Sachtextformel outlines a straightforward structure: an introduction that states the topic or research question, a main part that presents key facts, explanations, and evidences (often with quotations, data, or examples), and a conclusion that summarizes the findings or offers a brief evaluation. Variants emphasize different aspects, such as answering specific W-questions (who, what, where, when, why, how) or following a cause‑and‑effect logic.

In practice, the formula guides both writing and analysis. For production, students learn to select relevant information, arrange it logically, use neutral language, and connect ideas with appropriate transition words. For analysis, the formula helps identify the text’s purpose, structure, and argumentation, as well as the role of sources and evidence. Language features commonly associated with Sachtextformeln include precise terminology, objective phrasing, basic nominalizations, and explicit references to sources.

Critically, experts note that overreliance on a fixed formula can produce mechanical or formulaic writing. The Sachtextformel should be adapted to the genre, audience, and purpose, and gradually replaced or expanded with more sophisticated rhetorical strategies as students advance. See also Sachtext, Textsorten, and expository writing.