ÖSD vs Goethe vs telc: What's the Difference and Which Exam Should You Choose? Reading time: 7 minutes | Category: German Exams If you're learning German and need to certify your level, you have to choose: ÖSD or Goethe-Zertifikat? Both are recognized internationally, but they differ in structure, availability and regional focus. In this guide we compare the two exams point by point, together with telc, the third equivalent certificate, so you can choose the one that fits your goals. What is the ÖSD Exam? The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is the Austrian German language certificate. It is issued by the ÖSD, a non-profit association based in Vienna, and is available at all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), from A1 to C2.What sets the ÖSD apart is its pluricentric approach: listening and reading texts include German variants from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. This makes the exam particularly realistic if you plan to live or work in any of the three German-speaking countries.Like Goethe and telc certificates, the ÖSD is recognized for immigration and professional recognition throughout the DACH region. For university admission, what counts is the level your university asks for. What is the Goethe-Zertifikat? The Goethe-Zertifikat is issued by the Goethe-Institut, the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. It also covers all CEFR levels (A1–C2) and is well known internationally.The Goethe-Institut has more than 150 locations worldwide, which makes the exam easy to access. Prices vary by centre and country. Interesting fact: the B1 exam was developed jointly by the Goethe-Institut, the ÖSD and the University of Freiburg (Switzerland), so the two B1 certificates are practically identical. Direct Comparison: ÖSD vs Goethe (and telc) The following table compares ÖSD and Goethe. You'll find telc in the equivalence table further down. AspectÖSDGoetheIssuing bodyÖSD (non-profit association, Austria)Goethe-Institut (Germany)Levels availableA1–C2A1–C2Recognized in Germany✓ Yes✓ YesRecognized in Austria✓ Yes✓ YesRecognized in Switzerland✓ Yes✓ YesModular examYes, all levels: A1, A2, B2, C1 (2 modules: written + oral), B1 and C2 (4 modules)Yes (B1, B2, C1, C2)DACH variants in texts✓ Austria, Germany, SwitzerlandMainly GermanyPrice (approx.)Varies by centreVaries by centreCentres in Latin AmericaPartner centresWide Goethe-Institut networkValidity periodUnlimitedUnlimitedFor German visa✓ Yes✓ YesFor Austrian visa✓ Yes✓ YesFor nursing (B2)✓ Yes✓ Yes Which Exam Is Right for You? The answer depends on your personal situation. Here are the most common scenarios: If you want to work as a nurse in Germany or Austria All three certificates (ÖSD, Goethe and telc) are accepted for professional recognition. The ÖSD includes texts from all three DACH countries, which helps if you plan to work in Austria or Switzerland. At Sprachzentrum you can prepare in our online courses and take the ÖSD in person in Buenos Aires.→ Guide: German for NursesIf you need a certificate for a family reunion visa For Germany: ÖSD, Goethe and telc are all accepted for the spouse reunification visa (level A1). It is not required if your partner holds, for example, an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker visa. For Austria, all three certificates are accepted as well. Before you book the exam, check the current list with the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country.If you're in Latin America The Goethe-Institut has more of its own centres in the region, and telc has a few centres, for example in Colombia, Mexico and Brazil. At an ÖSD exam centre like Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, you can prepare and take the exam at the same institute. In Buenos Aires the exam is held in person, on paper.If you're preparing for university in Germany To study at a German university you usually need the DSH, the TestDaF, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or a C2 certificate from Goethe or ÖSD. A C1 certificate is not always enough. Check the requirements of your university before you decide. How to Prepare for the ÖSD or Goethe Exam The good news: general preparation carries over between the exams, because ÖSD, Goethe and telc test the same CEFR skills. Only the specific format (task types, duration) differs slightly. Step 1: Find out your current level with our free placement test (about 30 minutes, assessed by ÖSD examiners).Step 2: Choose your course format:Extensive courses: one 2.5-hour class per week, about 3 months per sub-level. A good fit alongside work or study.Intensive courses: two or more classes per week, about 6 weeks per sub-level. For faster progress. Step 3: Prepare specifically for the format of the exam you chose (ÖSD, Goethe or telc).Step 4: Take the exam at an official centre. Prepare with us and take the ÖSD exam in Buenos Aires At Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires we are an official ÖSD exam centre. We prepare you in online courses from A1 to C1, and you take the exam with us in person, on paper, in Buenos Aires (currently A1 to B2). As a regular student, you get a 15% discount on the exam fee. → View ÖSD exam dates→ View German courses Equivalence Table: ÖSD, Goethe and telc Besides ÖSD and Goethe, there is a third certificate you should know: telc (The European Language Certificates). All three are equivalent at the same CEFR level: CEFR LevelÖSDGoethetelcA1ÖSD Zertifikat A1Goethe-Zertifikat A1telc Deutsch A1A2ÖSD Zertifikat A2Goethe-Zertifikat A2telc Deutsch A2B1ÖSD Zertifikat B1Goethe-Zertifikat B1*telc Deutsch B1B2ÖSD Zertifikat B2Goethe-Zertifikat B2telc Deutsch B2C1ÖSD Zertifikat C1Goethe-Zertifikat C1telc Deutsch C1C2ÖSD Zertifikat C2Goethe-Zertifikat C2telc Deutsch C2 * The B1 exam was developed jointly by the Goethe-Institut, the ÖSD and the University of Freiburg (Switzerland). The two B1 certificates are identical in content. Conclusion: ÖSD, Goethe or telc? ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates carry the same weight with immigration authorities, universities and employers in all three German-speaking countries. The difference is in the details: the ÖSD includes variants from all three DACH countries in its texts, the Goethe-Institut has a wide network of its own centres, and telc has fewer centres in Latin America, for example in Colombia, Mexico and Brazil. In practice, choose based on the centres near you and the exam dates that suit you. If you can travel to Buenos Aires, you can prepare in an online course and take the ÖSD in person at our centre.Which exam you choose matters less than starting your preparation in good time. → Take the free placement test Frequently Asked Questions Do ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates have the same validity?Yes. At the same level, ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates are recognized equally by immigration authorities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and by universities and employers.Is the ÖSD easier than the Goethe?There is no significant difference in difficulty. ÖSD, Goethe and telc test the same CEFR skills. The exam structure varies slightly, but the required level is the same.How much does the ÖSD cost compared to Goethe and telc?Prices vary by country, centre and level, so compare the current fees for ÖSD, Goethe and telc where you plan to take the exam. See our current ÖSD exam fees.Can I prepare for the Goethe and take the ÖSD (or vice versa)?Yes. ÖSD, Goethe and telc test the same CEFR skills, so your general preparation carries over completely. Only the specific exam format (task types, duration) differs slightly.Which exam do I need to work as a nurse in Germany?You generally need level B2, and you can prove it with an ÖSD, Goethe or telc certificate. Read our guide: German for Nurses. About the authorDaniel is a German teacher at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, the official ÖSD exam centre in Argentina. In addition to teaching, he is responsible for the technical implementation and maintenance of the Moodle learning platform.SourcesÖSD – Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch: osd.atGoethe-Institut: German Exams: goethe.deCommon European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires: ÖSD Equivalence Table Ready for the next step? Prepare for the ÖSD exam with our online courses, from A1 to C1. 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Reading time: 7 minutes | Category: German Exams If you're learning German and need to certify your level, you have to choose: ÖSD or Goethe-Zertifikat? Both are recognized internationally, but they differ in structure, availability and regional focus. In this guide we compare the two exams point by point, together with telc, the third equivalent certificate, so you can choose the one that fits your goals. What is the ÖSD Exam? The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is the Austrian German language certificate. It is issued by the ÖSD, a non-profit association based in Vienna, and is available at all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), from A1 to C2.What sets the ÖSD apart is its pluricentric approach: listening and reading texts include German variants from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. This makes the exam particularly realistic if you plan to live or work in any of the three German-speaking countries.Like Goethe and telc certificates, the ÖSD is recognized for immigration and professional recognition throughout the DACH region. For university admission, what counts is the level your university asks for. What is the Goethe-Zertifikat? The Goethe-Zertifikat is issued by the Goethe-Institut, the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. It also covers all CEFR levels (A1–C2) and is well known internationally.The Goethe-Institut has more than 150 locations worldwide, which makes the exam easy to access. Prices vary by centre and country. Interesting fact: the B1 exam was developed jointly by the Goethe-Institut, the ÖSD and the University of Freiburg (Switzerland), so the two B1 certificates are practically identical. Direct Comparison: ÖSD vs Goethe (and telc) The following table compares ÖSD and Goethe. You'll find telc in the equivalence table further down. AspectÖSDGoetheIssuing bodyÖSD (non-profit association, Austria)Goethe-Institut (Germany)Levels availableA1–C2A1–C2Recognized in Germany✓ Yes✓ YesRecognized in Austria✓ Yes✓ YesRecognized in Switzerland✓ Yes✓ YesModular examYes, all levels: A1, A2, B2, C1 (2 modules: written + oral), B1 and C2 (4 modules)Yes (B1, B2, C1, C2)DACH variants in texts✓ Austria, Germany, SwitzerlandMainly GermanyPrice (approx.)Varies by centreVaries by centreCentres in Latin AmericaPartner centresWide Goethe-Institut networkValidity periodUnlimitedUnlimitedFor German visa✓ Yes✓ YesFor Austrian visa✓ Yes✓ YesFor nursing (B2)✓ Yes✓ Yes Which Exam Is Right for You? The answer depends on your personal situation. Here are the most common scenarios: If you want to work as a nurse in Germany or Austria All three certificates (ÖSD, Goethe and telc) are accepted for professional recognition. The ÖSD includes texts from all three DACH countries, which helps if you plan to work in Austria or Switzerland. At Sprachzentrum you can prepare in our online courses and take the ÖSD in person in Buenos Aires.→ Guide: German for NursesIf you need a certificate for a family reunion visa For Germany: ÖSD, Goethe and telc are all accepted for the spouse reunification visa (level A1). It is not required if your partner holds, for example, an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker visa. For Austria, all three certificates are accepted as well. Before you book the exam, check the current list with the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country.If you're in Latin America The Goethe-Institut has more of its own centres in the region, and telc has a few centres, for example in Colombia, Mexico and Brazil. At an ÖSD exam centre like Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, you can prepare and take the exam at the same institute. In Buenos Aires the exam is held in person, on paper.If you're preparing for university in Germany To study at a German university you usually need the DSH, the TestDaF, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or a C2 certificate from Goethe or ÖSD. A C1 certificate is not always enough. Check the requirements of your university before you decide. How to Prepare for the ÖSD or Goethe Exam The good news: general preparation carries over between the exams, because ÖSD, Goethe and telc test the same CEFR skills. Only the specific format (task types, duration) differs slightly. Step 1: Find out your current level with our free placement test (about 30 minutes, assessed by ÖSD examiners).Step 2: Choose your course format:Extensive courses: one 2.5-hour class per week, about 3 months per sub-level. A good fit alongside work or study.Intensive courses: two or more classes per week, about 6 weeks per sub-level. For faster progress. Step 3: Prepare specifically for the format of the exam you chose (ÖSD, Goethe or telc).Step 4: Take the exam at an official centre. Prepare with us and take the ÖSD exam in Buenos Aires At Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires we are an official ÖSD exam centre. We prepare you in online courses from A1 to C1, and you take the exam with us in person, on paper, in Buenos Aires (currently A1 to B2). As a regular student, you get a 15% discount on the exam fee. → View ÖSD exam dates→ View German courses Equivalence Table: ÖSD, Goethe and telc Besides ÖSD and Goethe, there is a third certificate you should know: telc (The European Language Certificates). All three are equivalent at the same CEFR level: CEFR LevelÖSDGoethetelcA1ÖSD Zertifikat A1Goethe-Zertifikat A1telc Deutsch A1A2ÖSD Zertifikat A2Goethe-Zertifikat A2telc Deutsch A2B1ÖSD Zertifikat B1Goethe-Zertifikat B1*telc Deutsch B1B2ÖSD Zertifikat B2Goethe-Zertifikat B2telc Deutsch B2C1ÖSD Zertifikat C1Goethe-Zertifikat C1telc Deutsch C1C2ÖSD Zertifikat C2Goethe-Zertifikat C2telc Deutsch C2 * The B1 exam was developed jointly by the Goethe-Institut, the ÖSD and the University of Freiburg (Switzerland). The two B1 certificates are identical in content. Conclusion: ÖSD, Goethe or telc? ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates carry the same weight with immigration authorities, universities and employers in all three German-speaking countries. The difference is in the details: the ÖSD includes variants from all three DACH countries in its texts, the Goethe-Institut has a wide network of its own centres, and telc has fewer centres in Latin America, for example in Colombia, Mexico and Brazil. In practice, choose based on the centres near you and the exam dates that suit you. If you can travel to Buenos Aires, you can prepare in an online course and take the ÖSD in person at our centre.Which exam you choose matters less than starting your preparation in good time. → Take the free placement test Frequently Asked Questions Do ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates have the same validity?Yes. At the same level, ÖSD, Goethe and telc certificates are recognized equally by immigration authorities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and by universities and employers.Is the ÖSD easier than the Goethe?There is no significant difference in difficulty. ÖSD, Goethe and telc test the same CEFR skills. The exam structure varies slightly, but the required level is the same.How much does the ÖSD cost compared to Goethe and telc?Prices vary by country, centre and level, so compare the current fees for ÖSD, Goethe and telc where you plan to take the exam. See our current ÖSD exam fees.Can I prepare for the Goethe and take the ÖSD (or vice versa)?Yes. ÖSD, Goethe and telc test the same CEFR skills, so your general preparation carries over completely. Only the specific exam format (task types, duration) differs slightly.Which exam do I need to work as a nurse in Germany?You generally need level B2, and you can prove it with an ÖSD, Goethe or telc certificate. Read our guide: German for Nurses. About the authorDaniel is a German teacher at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, the official ÖSD exam centre in Argentina. In addition to teaching, he is responsible for the technical implementation and maintenance of the Moodle learning platform.SourcesÖSD – Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch: osd.atGoethe-Institut: German Exams: goethe.deCommon European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires: ÖSD Equivalence Table
