Official German certificate Exam target
The exam ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 is especially directed at immigrants to Austria aged 16 or above. According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the Framework Curriculum for Integration Courses (RCC, Goethe-Institute), this exam assesses candidate’s ability of independent language use in everyday life and professional situations. All texts and situations used reflect daily life in Austria.
This exam also exists in an altered version for young learners aged 12 and above.
The exam comprises two modules: the Written exam (Reading, Listening and Writing) and the Oral exam (Speaking), focusing mainly on communicative competence, even though attention is also paid to formal accuracy.
The exam ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 evolved from the exam B1 Zertifikat Deutsch, a joint product in cooperation with the Goethe-Institute, the telc GmbH in Germany and the Center for Language Learning and Research at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.
E-Learning
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Sample test: Written exam
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Exam modules
Module: Written exam
Reading
The overall, selective and detailed comprehension of different authentic text from Austria is assessed in three different tasks.
Language in use
Correct usage of grammar and vocabulary is assessed through two tasks.
Duration of Reading & Language in use: 90 minutes
Listening
Global and detailed comprehension of listening text in the standard language as spoken in Austria and Germany is assessed in three tasks.
Duration: approx. 30 minutes
Writing
Candidates have to write a reply email observing four requirements. The text is assessed according to predetermined criteria (see rating sheet). Candidates may choose from an informal or a formal situation.
Duration: 40 minutes
Module: Oral exam
Speaking
The oral exam is taken in pairs or alone and consists of three different tasks: introducing yourself to one another, talking about a given topic and planning a joint activity. The oral exam is assessed according to predetermined criteria (see rating sheet).
Duration: approx. 15 minutes
Exam administration
The exam ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 comprises two modules: the Written exam (Reading, Listening and Writing) and the Oral exam (Speaking). These modules can be sat and certified individually or taken in combination. Candidates who have taken and passed one module will receive a single copy of a certificate for the module taken. If both modules were successfully completed within a year, at the same exam centre, candidates will be entitled to receive a single copy of a full certificate listing all completed modules.
The exam will be carried out by two licensed ÖSD examiners who subsequently mark the candidate’s performance (see score form). By request, an inspection of the rating sheet is possible. Here you can find the Exam Guidelines and the Terms and Conditions for Exam Administration.
Sample test
This sample test prepares you for your exam. You can download the worksheets for Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, as well as the answer key and audio files here.
Materials for exam preparation
Order materials for exam preparation here.
Video example
Here you can find a video example for an oral exam.