What are the ÖSD exams?
The ÖSD fosters the concept of German being a pluricentric language, reflecting the variety of the German language in its exams. Thus, the standard varieties of the German-speaking countries Austria, Switzerland and Germany are equally treated and represented in all exams. Reading and listening tasks use texts originating from these countries.
Today, more than 100,000 candidates from around the world take an ÖSD exam every year, at one of about 400 licensed centres. In 1998, the ÖSD was awarded the “European Label for Innovative Projects in Language Teaching and Learning” by the European Commission.
➕What knowledge and skills does the German ÖSD exam assess?
ÖSD exams are internationally recognized and range from level A1 to C2. The exams are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels. The exams were adapted in 2019, favouring a format where modules could be taken individually or in combination with one another, with the exception of ÖSD Integration exams.
Exams consisting of two modules
ÖSD exams consisting of two modules Written exam (Reading, Listening, Writing) and Oral exam (Speaking) may be taken individually or in combination with one another.
Exams consisting of four modules
Both exams, ÖSD Zertifikat B1 and ÖSD Zertifikat C2, consist of four modules (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking) which can be taken individually, or in combination with one another.
➕What types of exams are there and what are they divided into?
➕What levels do the ÖSD exams certify?
Level |
Proficiency |
Exam |
Austrian Version |
A1 |
Basic level Daily situations |
ÖSD Zertifikat A1 / Österreich | |
A1 Young learners |
Young learners in school and semi-public situations |
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A2 |
Basic level in simple professional situations |
ÖSD Zertifikat A2 / Österreich | |
A2 Young learners |
Young learners in simple, routine situations of everyday |
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A2 Integration |
Basic level in simple routine of everyday and professional life in Austria. |
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B1 |
Practical language skills for everyday use and in the context of professional life. |
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B1 Young learners |
IUse in everyday life and school situations with familiar topics and personal interests. |
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B1 Integration |
Designed for immigrants in Austria. |
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B2 |
broad range of topics and converse with native speakers spontaneously and fluently. |
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B2 Young learners |
Competence in communicative situations beyond the private, and in professional fields |
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C1 |
Competence with high degree of accuracy and correctness. |
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C1 Young learners |
Competence with high degree of accuracy and correctness. |
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C2 |
Specialist language competence |
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C2 Business |
Complex business and professional contexts. |
➕How long do the German ÖSD exams last for?
The Complete Exam last for 90 minutes in the lower levels to about 210 minutes for the C2. The higher level Exams take more time.
The Written Module Lasts between 1 to 3 hours depending on the Level. The Speaking Module lasts for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the level.