How to Prepare for the ÖSD Exam: Practical Guide with Tips by Level Reading time: 8 minutes | Category: German Exams You've decided to take the ÖSD exam — now you need a plan. In this practical guide, you'll learn which modules to expect, how many points you need to pass, what you can and can't use during the exam, and get 10 concrete tips from a certified ÖSD examiner. If you first want to understand what the ÖSD is and how it compares to other certificates, we recommend our ÖSD vs Goethe comparison. How Is the ÖSD Exam Structured? All ÖSD exams test four skills: Reading (Lesen), Listening (Hören), Writing (Schreiben) and Speaking (Sprechen). How they're grouped into modules varies by level: LevelModulesStructureDictionaryA12 modulesWritten (Reading + Listening + Writing) + Oral (Speaking)Not allowedA22 modulesWritten (Reading + Listening + Writing) + Oral (Speaking)Not allowedB14 modulesReading + Listening + Writing + Speaking (each independent)Not allowedB22 modulesWritten (Reading + Listening + Writing) + Oral (Speaking)Yes (mono-/bilingual)C12 modulesWritten (Reading + Listening + Writing) + Oral (Speaking)Yes (monolingual only)C24 modulesReading + Listening + Writing + Speaking (each independent)Yes (monolingual only) 💡 Modular advantage: If you don't pass one module, you can retake just that module — not the entire exam. Passed modules remain valid for one year at the same exam centre. How Many Points Do I Need to Pass? At all levels, you need at least 60% of the points in each module. Depending on your percentage, you receive a grade: PercentageGrade90–100%Sehr gut (Very good)80–89%Gut (Good)70–79%Befriedigend (Satisfactory)60–69%Genügend (Sufficient)<60%Nicht bestanden (Not passed) Preparation Level by Level ÖSD Zertifikat A1 What's it for? Family reunion visa (Germany and Austria), first step in learning.Written exam (~65 min): Reading (25 min) + Listening (10 min) + Writing (20 min). Max. 75 points.Oral exam (~10 min + 10 min prep): 3 tasks: introduce yourself, ask questions, make a request. Max. 25 points.Tip: Practise self-introductions (name, origin, profession, family) and everyday situations (shopping, restaurant). Download the free model exam from osd.at.→ Take ÖSD A1 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat A2 What's it for? Certain residence permits in Austria.Written exam (~80 min): Reading (30 min) + Listening (15 min) + Writing (30 min). Max. 45 points.Oral exam (~10 min + 10 min prep): Dialogue as pair or individual exam. Max. 25 points.Tip: Focus on everyday situations: appointments, shopping, describing your home. The listening section includes audio from Austria, Germany and Switzerland — get your ear used to the variants.→ Take ÖSD A2 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat B1 — The Most Popular Exam What's it for? German citizenship, permanent residence in Austria, basic professional requirement.4 independent modules (can be taken separately):Reading (65 min): 5 tasks — global, detailed and selective comprehension. Max. 100 points.Listening (40 min): 4 tasks — announcements, conversations, interviews. Max. 100 points.Writing (60 min): 3 tasks — email, forum post, formal email. Max. 100 points.Speaking (15 min + 10 min prep): 3 tasks — plan something together, present a topic, discuss. Max. 100 points. Tip: B1 is the most common exam. Practise the Writing section especially — many candidates lose points by not following the formal structure of an email. Use the free model exams and time your practice.Note: B1 was jointly developed by ÖSD, Goethe-Institut and the University of Freiburg (Switzerland).→ Take ÖSD B1 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat B2 — Key for Nursing and Employment What's it for? Professional qualification (nursing, medicine), university admission, skilled employment.Written exam (~90 min): Reading (4 tasks, 40 items) + Listening (2 tasks) + Writing (1 formal email + 1 argumentative essay). Max. 70 points.Oral exam (~15–20 min + 20 min prep): 3 tasks — present a topic, discuss a graph/image, dialogue. Max. 30 points.Important: From B2 onwards, dictionaries are allowed (mono- or bilingual). Use it, but don't depend on it!Tip: The written B2 section is demanding — you need to argue coherently and use complex connectors. Practise argumentative essays of 150–200 words with a timer. For the oral part, prepare 3–4 current topics with specific vocabulary.→ Take ÖSD B2 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat C1 What's it for? University admission, highly qualified employment, teaching.Written exam (~90 min): Reading (4 tasks, specialist and newspaper texts) + Listening (2 tasks, lectures and radio programmes) + Writing (1 formal letter + 1 free essay). Max. 70 points.Oral exam (~15–20 min + 20 min prep): Presentation, discussion, dialogue. Max. 30 points.Tip: Read German-language press regularly (Spiegel, Der Standard, NZZ). Listen to podcasts from ARD, ORF and SRF to get used to all three DACH variants.→ Take ÖSD C1 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat C2 What's it for? Highest level. Required for certain academic or high-profile professional positions.4 independent modules (like B1): Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking — each taken and certified separately.Note: There is also the variant ÖSD C2 / Wirtschaftssprache Deutsch with business-related content (no business expertise required, only the relevant vocabulary).→ Take ÖSD C2 at Sprachzentrum 📖 Want to learn more about each level? Check our Complete Guide to ÖSD Levels and Certificates for details on international recognition and equivalences. 10 Tips to Pass the ÖSD Exam Download the free model exams from osd.at and complete at least 3 full simulations before the real exam.Always time yourself. Time is tight — if you don't practise with a clock, you'll run out on exam day.Get your ear used to all three DACH variants. The listening texts include speakers from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Listen to podcasts and radio from all three countries.Don't memorise pre-made texts. The ÖSD penalises pre-fabricated texts — examiners are trained to detect them and will score them at 0 points.Learn connectors. Especially from B1 onwards — aber, trotzdem, obwohl, deshalb, einerseits... Text coherence earns many points.Practise the oral part out loud. Record yourself, listen back, correct yourself. Present topics in front of a mirror or with a partner.Bring a dictionary (B2+) but don't depend on it. Know your dictionary beforehand — know where to look things up quickly.Read the instructions carefully. Many mistakes come from misunderstanding the task, not from lack of knowledge.Get a good night's sleep. It may seem obvious, but a well-rested brain performs significantly better in listening comprehension.Arrive 15 minutes early with your photo ID. No ID, no exam. Prepare and take your exam in the same place At Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, we've been an official ÖSD exam centre for over 15 years. We prepare you with regular courses or targeted exam preparation, and you take the exam in the same place where you studied. As a regular student, you get a 15% discount on the exam fee. → View ÖSD exam dates→ View German courses→ Free placement test Frequently Asked Questions Can I take just one module of the exam?Yes. All levels are modular. A1, A2, B2 and C1 have 2 modules (written + oral). B1 and C2 have 4 independent modules. Each module can be taken separately and you receive a partial certificate.How many times can I retake the exam?As many times as you like. The ÖSD recommends waiting at least 4 weeks between attempts. For exams with 2 modules, the written module is retaken in full (Reading + Listening + Writing together).Do ÖSD certificates expire?No, ÖSD certificates have unlimited validity. However, some institutions (especially immigration authorities) may require certificates that are no more than 2 years old.Can I use a dictionary during the exam?Depends on the level: A1, A2 and B1 — no dictionary. B2 — mono- or bilingual dictionary. C1 and C2 — monolingual dictionary only (German-German). Electronic dictionaries are prohibited at all levels.Where can I download free model exams?On the official website osd.at you'll find model exams for all levels for free, including audio files and answer keys. They also offer interactive online training.What's the difference between ÖSD and Goethe?Both have the same validity. The ÖSD includes variants from all three DACH countries and tends to be more affordable. Read our full comparison ÖSD vs Goethe.Do I need the ÖSD to work as a nurse in Germany?Yes, level B2 is required for professional qualification in nursing. Both ÖSD and Goethe are accepted. Read our complete guide: German for Nurses.Where can I find more information about each ÖSD level?Check our Complete Guide to ÖSD Levels and Certificates for detailed information on each level from A1 to C2. About the authorDaniel is a German teacher and certified ÖSD examiner at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, the official ÖSD exam centre in Argentina.SourcesÖSD – Exam Regulations (as of 2023): osd.atÖSD – Implementation Guidelines A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2ÖSD – FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCommon European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Reading time: 8 minutes | Category: German Exams You've decided to take the ÖSD exam — now you need a plan. In this practical guide, you'll learn which modules to expect, how many points you need to pass, what you can and can't use during the exam, and get 10 concrete tips from a certified ÖSD examiner. If you first want to understand what the ÖSD is and how it compares to other certificates, we recommend our ÖSD vs Goethe comparison. How Is the ÖSD Exam Structured? All ÖSD exams test four skills: Reading (Lesen), Listening (Hören), Writing (Schreiben) and Speaking (Sprechen). How they're grouped into modules varies by level: LevelModulesStructureDictionaryA12 modulesWritten (Reading + Listening + Writing) + Oral (Speaking)Not allowedA22 modulesWritten (Reading + Listening + Writing) + Oral (Speaking)Not allowedB14 modulesReading + Listening + Writing + Speaking (each independent)Not allowedB22 modulesWritten (Reading + Listening + Writing) + Oral (Speaking)Yes (mono-/bilingual)C12 modulesWritten (Reading + Listening + Writing) + Oral (Speaking)Yes (monolingual only)C24 modulesReading + Listening + Writing + Speaking (each independent)Yes (monolingual only) 💡 Modular advantage: If you don't pass one module, you can retake just that module — not the entire exam. Passed modules remain valid for one year at the same exam centre. How Many Points Do I Need to Pass? At all levels, you need at least 60% of the points in each module. Depending on your percentage, you receive a grade: PercentageGrade90–100%Sehr gut (Very good)80–89%Gut (Good)70–79%Befriedigend (Satisfactory)60–69%Genügend (Sufficient)<60%Nicht bestanden (Not passed) Preparation Level by Level ÖSD Zertifikat A1 What's it for? Family reunion visa (Germany and Austria), first step in learning.Written exam (~65 min): Reading (25 min) + Listening (10 min) + Writing (20 min). Max. 75 points.Oral exam (~10 min + 10 min prep): 3 tasks: introduce yourself, ask questions, make a request. Max. 25 points.Tip: Practise self-introductions (name, origin, profession, family) and everyday situations (shopping, restaurant). Download the free model exam from osd.at.→ Take ÖSD A1 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat A2 What's it for? Certain residence permits in Austria.Written exam (~80 min): Reading (30 min) + Listening (15 min) + Writing (30 min). Max. 45 points.Oral exam (~10 min + 10 min prep): Dialogue as pair or individual exam. Max. 25 points.Tip: Focus on everyday situations: appointments, shopping, describing your home. The listening section includes audio from Austria, Germany and Switzerland — get your ear used to the variants.→ Take ÖSD A2 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat B1 — The Most Popular Exam What's it for? German citizenship, permanent residence in Austria, basic professional requirement.4 independent modules (can be taken separately):Reading (65 min): 5 tasks — global, detailed and selective comprehension. Max. 100 points.Listening (40 min): 4 tasks — announcements, conversations, interviews. Max. 100 points.Writing (60 min): 3 tasks — email, forum post, formal email. Max. 100 points.Speaking (15 min + 10 min prep): 3 tasks — plan something together, present a topic, discuss. Max. 100 points. Tip: B1 is the most common exam. Practise the Writing section especially — many candidates lose points by not following the formal structure of an email. Use the free model exams and time your practice.Note: B1 was jointly developed by ÖSD, Goethe-Institut and the University of Freiburg (Switzerland).→ Take ÖSD B1 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat B2 — Key for Nursing and Employment What's it for? Professional qualification (nursing, medicine), university admission, skilled employment.Written exam (~90 min): Reading (4 tasks, 40 items) + Listening (2 tasks) + Writing (1 formal email + 1 argumentative essay). Max. 70 points.Oral exam (~15–20 min + 20 min prep): 3 tasks — present a topic, discuss a graph/image, dialogue. Max. 30 points.Important: From B2 onwards, dictionaries are allowed (mono- or bilingual). Use it, but don't depend on it!Tip: The written B2 section is demanding — you need to argue coherently and use complex connectors. Practise argumentative essays of 150–200 words with a timer. For the oral part, prepare 3–4 current topics with specific vocabulary.→ Take ÖSD B2 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat C1 What's it for? University admission, highly qualified employment, teaching.Written exam (~90 min): Reading (4 tasks, specialist and newspaper texts) + Listening (2 tasks, lectures and radio programmes) + Writing (1 formal letter + 1 free essay). Max. 70 points.Oral exam (~15–20 min + 20 min prep): Presentation, discussion, dialogue. Max. 30 points.Tip: Read German-language press regularly (Spiegel, Der Standard, NZZ). Listen to podcasts from ARD, ORF and SRF to get used to all three DACH variants.→ Take ÖSD C1 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat C2 What's it for? Highest level. Required for certain academic or high-profile professional positions.4 independent modules (like B1): Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking — each taken and certified separately.Note: There is also the variant ÖSD C2 / Wirtschaftssprache Deutsch with business-related content (no business expertise required, only the relevant vocabulary).→ Take ÖSD C2 at Sprachzentrum 📖 Want to learn more about each level? Check our Complete Guide to ÖSD Levels and Certificates for details on international recognition and equivalences. 10 Tips to Pass the ÖSD Exam Download the free model exams from osd.at and complete at least 3 full simulations before the real exam.Always time yourself. Time is tight — if you don't practise with a clock, you'll run out on exam day.Get your ear used to all three DACH variants. The listening texts include speakers from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Listen to podcasts and radio from all three countries.Don't memorise pre-made texts. The ÖSD penalises pre-fabricated texts — examiners are trained to detect them and will score them at 0 points.Learn connectors. Especially from B1 onwards — aber, trotzdem, obwohl, deshalb, einerseits... Text coherence earns many points.Practise the oral part out loud. Record yourself, listen back, correct yourself. Present topics in front of a mirror or with a partner.Bring a dictionary (B2+) but don't depend on it. Know your dictionary beforehand — know where to look things up quickly.Read the instructions carefully. Many mistakes come from misunderstanding the task, not from lack of knowledge.Get a good night's sleep. It may seem obvious, but a well-rested brain performs significantly better in listening comprehension.Arrive 15 minutes early with your photo ID. No ID, no exam. Prepare and take your exam in the same place At Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, we've been an official ÖSD exam centre for over 15 years. We prepare you with regular courses or targeted exam preparation, and you take the exam in the same place where you studied. As a regular student, you get a 15% discount on the exam fee. → View ÖSD exam dates→ View German courses→ Free placement test Frequently Asked Questions Can I take just one module of the exam?Yes. All levels are modular. A1, A2, B2 and C1 have 2 modules (written + oral). B1 and C2 have 4 independent modules. Each module can be taken separately and you receive a partial certificate.How many times can I retake the exam?As many times as you like. The ÖSD recommends waiting at least 4 weeks between attempts. For exams with 2 modules, the written module is retaken in full (Reading + Listening + Writing together).Do ÖSD certificates expire?No, ÖSD certificates have unlimited validity. However, some institutions (especially immigration authorities) may require certificates that are no more than 2 years old.Can I use a dictionary during the exam?Depends on the level: A1, A2 and B1 — no dictionary. B2 — mono- or bilingual dictionary. C1 and C2 — monolingual dictionary only (German-German). Electronic dictionaries are prohibited at all levels.Where can I download free model exams?On the official website osd.at you'll find model exams for all levels for free, including audio files and answer keys. They also offer interactive online training.What's the difference between ÖSD and Goethe?Both have the same validity. The ÖSD includes variants from all three DACH countries and tends to be more affordable. Read our full comparison ÖSD vs Goethe.Do I need the ÖSD to work as a nurse in Germany?Yes, level B2 is required for professional qualification in nursing. Both ÖSD and Goethe are accepted. Read our complete guide: German for Nurses.Where can I find more information about each ÖSD level?Check our Complete Guide to ÖSD Levels and Certificates for detailed information on each level from A1 to C2. About the authorDaniel is a German teacher and certified ÖSD examiner at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, the official ÖSD exam centre in Argentina.SourcesÖSD – Exam Regulations (as of 2023): osd.atÖSD – Implementation Guidelines A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2ÖSD – FAQ: Frequently Asked QuestionsCommon European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
