How to Prepare for the ÖSD Exam: Format, Points and Tips by Level Reading time: 8 minutes | Category: German Exams You've decided to take the ÖSD exam. Now you need a plan. This guide shows you which modules to expect at each level, how many points you need to pass, what you can and can't use during the exam, and 10 concrete tips from a certified ÖSD examiner. If you first want to know what the ÖSD is and how it compares to Goethe and telc, start with our ÖSD vs Goethe vs telc 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 only retake that module, not the entire exam. Each module you pass gets its own certificate. If you pass all modules within one year at the same exam centre, you also receive the full certificate. 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 for Germany and Austria (in Germany it is not required if your partner holds, for example, an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker visa), and a first step in learning.Written exam (~55 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 introducing yourself (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 (~75 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, so get your ear used to all three variants.→ Take ÖSD A2 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat B1: The Most Requested Level What's it for? German citizenship, permanent residence in Austria, basic professional requirement.4 independent modules (you can take each one separately):Reading (65 min): 5 tasks for 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 (about 15 min in pairs + 15 min prep): 3 tasks (plan something together, present a topic, discuss). Max. 100 points. Tip: B1 is the most common exam. Practise the Writing module in particular: many candidates lose points because they don't follow 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 recognition (nursing, medicine), admission to some universities, skilled employment.Written exam (~210 min): Reading (4 tasks, 40 items; 90 min) + Listening (2 tasks; ~30 min) + Writing (1 formal email + 1 argumentative essay; 90 min). Max. 70 points.Oral exam (15–20 min + 15 min prep): 3 tasks (present a topic, discuss a graph or image, dialogue). Max. 30 points.Important: In the ÖSD Zertifikat B2 you may use monolingual or bilingual dictionaries (no specialist dictionaries). Use them, but don't depend on them!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 (check your university's requirements first), highly qualified employment, teaching.Written exam (~220 min): Reading (4 tasks, specialist and newspaper texts; 90 min) + Listening (2 tasks, lectures and radio programmes; ~40 min) + Writing (1 formal letter + 1 free essay; 90 min). Max. 70 points.Oral exam (~15–20 min + 20 min prep): Presentation, discussion, dialogue. Max. 30 points.Tip: Read German-language newspapers regularly (Der Spiegel, Der Standard, NZZ). Listen to podcasts from ARD, ORF and SRF to get used to all three DACH variants.→ Prepare for C1 in our online coursesÖSD 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 one is taken and certified separately.Note: There is also the variant ÖSD C2 / Wirtschaftssprache Deutsch with business-related content (you don't need business expertise, only the relevant vocabulary).→ ÖSD exams at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires (A1 to B2) 📖 Want to know which exams we offer in Buenos Aires? See our ÖSD exams page for levels, dates and fees. 10 Tips to Pass the ÖSD Exam Download the free model exams from osd.at and do at least 3 full practice runs before the real exam.Always time yourself. Time is tight. If you don't practise with a clock, you'll run out of time 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 ready-made texts. The ÖSD penalises pre-written texts: examiners are trained to spot them, and they can be scored with 0 points.Learn connectors. Especially from B1 onwards: aber, trotzdem, obwohl, deshalb, einerseits ... A coherent text earns you a lot of points.Practise the oral part out loud. Record yourself, listen back and correct yourself. Present topics in front of a mirror or with a partner.Bring a dictionary (B2 and above), but don't depend on it. Get to know your dictionary beforehand so you can 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 sounds obvious, but a rested brain does better, especially in the listening section.Arrive 15 minutes early with your photo ID. Without ID, you can't take the exam. Prepare with us and take the ÖSD exam in Buenos Aires At Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires we are an official ÖSD exam centre (ARG 001), with almost 20 years of teaching experience (since 2007). You prepare in our online courses, regular or exam-focused, and then take the exam with us in person, on paper, in Buenos Aires. We currently hold ÖSD exams from A1 to B2. As a regular student, you get a 15% discount on the exam fee. → View ÖSD exam dates→ View German courses→ Free placement test (about 30 minutes) 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. You can take each module separately and receive a certificate for each module you pass. If you pass all modules within one year at the same centre, you also receive the full 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, you retake the whole written module (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?It depends on the level. A1, A2 and B1: no dictionary. B2: monolingual or bilingual dictionary. C1 and C2: monolingual dictionary only (German–German). Electronic dictionaries are not allowed at any level.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, Goethe and telc?ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates have the same validity. The ÖSD includes texts with variants from all three DACH countries. Read our full comparison of ÖSD, Goethe and telc.Do I need the ÖSD to work as a nurse in Germany?Not necessarily the ÖSD. For professional recognition as a nurse you generally need a B2 certificate, and ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates are all accepted. Read our guide: German for Nurses.Where can I find more information about each ÖSD level?See our ÖSD exams page for the levels we offer in Buenos Aires. Model exams and level descriptions from A1 to C2 are on the official ÖSD website, osd.at. 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. This guide shows you which modules to expect at each level, how many points you need to pass, what you can and can't use during the exam, and 10 concrete tips from a certified ÖSD examiner. If you first want to know what the ÖSD is and how it compares to Goethe and telc, start with our ÖSD vs Goethe vs telc 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 only retake that module, not the entire exam. Each module you pass gets its own certificate. If you pass all modules within one year at the same exam centre, you also receive the full certificate. 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 for Germany and Austria (in Germany it is not required if your partner holds, for example, an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker visa), and a first step in learning.Written exam (~55 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 introducing yourself (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 (~75 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, so get your ear used to all three variants.→ Take ÖSD A2 at SprachzentrumÖSD Zertifikat B1: The Most Requested Level What's it for? German citizenship, permanent residence in Austria, basic professional requirement.4 independent modules (you can take each one separately):Reading (65 min): 5 tasks for 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 (about 15 min in pairs + 15 min prep): 3 tasks (plan something together, present a topic, discuss). Max. 100 points. Tip: B1 is the most common exam. Practise the Writing module in particular: many candidates lose points because they don't follow 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 recognition (nursing, medicine), admission to some universities, skilled employment.Written exam (~210 min): Reading (4 tasks, 40 items; 90 min) + Listening (2 tasks; ~30 min) + Writing (1 formal email + 1 argumentative essay; 90 min). Max. 70 points.Oral exam (15–20 min + 15 min prep): 3 tasks (present a topic, discuss a graph or image, dialogue). Max. 30 points.Important: In the ÖSD Zertifikat B2 you may use monolingual or bilingual dictionaries (no specialist dictionaries). Use them, but don't depend on them!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 (check your university's requirements first), highly qualified employment, teaching.Written exam (~220 min): Reading (4 tasks, specialist and newspaper texts; 90 min) + Listening (2 tasks, lectures and radio programmes; ~40 min) + Writing (1 formal letter + 1 free essay; 90 min). Max. 70 points.Oral exam (~15–20 min + 20 min prep): Presentation, discussion, dialogue. Max. 30 points.Tip: Read German-language newspapers regularly (Der Spiegel, Der Standard, NZZ). Listen to podcasts from ARD, ORF and SRF to get used to all three DACH variants.→ Prepare for C1 in our online coursesÖSD 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 one is taken and certified separately.Note: There is also the variant ÖSD C2 / Wirtschaftssprache Deutsch with business-related content (you don't need business expertise, only the relevant vocabulary).→ ÖSD exams at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires (A1 to B2) 📖 Want to know which exams we offer in Buenos Aires? See our ÖSD exams page for levels, dates and fees. 10 Tips to Pass the ÖSD Exam Download the free model exams from osd.at and do at least 3 full practice runs before the real exam.Always time yourself. Time is tight. If you don't practise with a clock, you'll run out of time 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 ready-made texts. The ÖSD penalises pre-written texts: examiners are trained to spot them, and they can be scored with 0 points.Learn connectors. Especially from B1 onwards: aber, trotzdem, obwohl, deshalb, einerseits ... A coherent text earns you a lot of points.Practise the oral part out loud. Record yourself, listen back and correct yourself. Present topics in front of a mirror or with a partner.Bring a dictionary (B2 and above), but don't depend on it. Get to know your dictionary beforehand so you can 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 sounds obvious, but a rested brain does better, especially in the listening section.Arrive 15 minutes early with your photo ID. Without ID, you can't take the exam. Prepare with us and take the ÖSD exam in Buenos Aires At Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires we are an official ÖSD exam centre (ARG 001), with almost 20 years of teaching experience (since 2007). You prepare in our online courses, regular or exam-focused, and then take the exam with us in person, on paper, in Buenos Aires. We currently hold ÖSD exams from A1 to B2. As a regular student, you get a 15% discount on the exam fee. → View ÖSD exam dates→ View German courses→ Free placement test (about 30 minutes) 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. You can take each module separately and receive a certificate for each module you pass. If you pass all modules within one year at the same centre, you also receive the full 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, you retake the whole written module (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?It depends on the level. A1, A2 and B1: no dictionary. B2: monolingual or bilingual dictionary. C1 and C2: monolingual dictionary only (German–German). Electronic dictionaries are not allowed at any level.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, Goethe and telc?ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates have the same validity. The ÖSD includes texts with variants from all three DACH countries. Read our full comparison of ÖSD, Goethe and telc.Do I need the ÖSD to work as a nurse in Germany?Not necessarily the ÖSD. For professional recognition as a nurse you generally need a B2 certificate, and ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates are all accepted. Read our guide: German for Nurses.Where can I find more information about each ÖSD level?See our ÖSD exams page for the levels we offer in Buenos Aires. Model exams and level descriptions from A1 to C2 are on the official ÖSD website, osd.at. 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)
