The Austrian Language Certificate ÖSD is a state-approved examination and assessment system for German as a foreign and as a second language. Examinations are carried out and evaluated according to consistent standards and are not subject to course attendance obligations, i.e. you do not have to attend a German course prior to sitting this examination. Mock examinations and learning materials are available at www.osd.at
The Language Center of the University of Vienna is a certified examination center for ÖSD and hosts four examinations per year (in November, March, May/June and August). If necessary, further dates will be offered. The examination is aligned with the level descriptions of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It consists of a written and an oral part and is offered on five levels (A2 to C2) at the Language Center.
ÖSD Examination Dates 2024
- 09.03. & 16.03.2024 | Registration: 22.01. – 12.02.2024
- 08.06. & 15.06.2024 | Registration: 15.04. – 10.05.2024
- 13.08. & 14.08.2024 | Registration: 17.06. – 12.07.2024
- 09.11. & 16.11.2024 | Registration: 23.09. – 18.10.2024
Registration for the ÖSD examination can be carried out directly through our website (minimum age: 16). Please note that there is a limited number of places for each test session.
Photo identification is mandatory for registration.
Please enquire at the Admission Office of your university whether the ÖSD examination is recognised!
Zertifikat A2
Corresponds to the Council of Europe Level A2 (Waystage).
This is an examination available to learners above the age of 16 who already display sufficient German skills to communicate on an elementary level in professional and private life situations.
Examination fees for 2024: EUR 130 written part / EUR 45 oral part
Zertifikat B1
Corresponds to the Council of Europe Level B1 (Threshold).
This is an examination for learners above the age of 16 who have no difficulty expressing themselves in everyday situations, while travelling, or on issues pertaining to fields of personal specialisation or interest. Communication competency is in the focal point, but attention is given to formal correctness, as well.
The examination Zertifkat B1 is offered by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with ÖSD in all examination centers worldwide.
The Goethe-Institut and ÖSD use the same exam modules reading, listening, writing and speaking. Each module can be completed separately, in no particular chronological order.
Examination fees for 2024: EUR 55 per module
Zertifikat B2
Corresponds to the Council of Europe Level B2 (Vantage).
This is an examination for learners above the age of 16 whose aptitude to express themselves clearly and explicitly covers a wide range of topics, and who are capable of conducting a normal discussion with native speakers of German in a spontaneous and fluent manner.
Examination fees for 2024: EUR 160 written part / EUR 60 oral part
Zertifikat C1
Corresponds to the Council of Europe Level C1 (Effective Operational Proficiency).
This is an examination for learners above the age of 16 who are capable of communicating complex content in various situations of social and professional life.
Examination fees for 2024: EUR 170 written part / EUR 80 oral part
Several Austrian universities recognise the Zertifikat C1 as confirmation of German language competency upon admission.
Zertifikat C2
Corresponds to the Council of Europe Level C2 (Mastery).
This is an examination for learners above the age of 16. The examination addresses candidates with very good language skills and requires, furthermore, specialised language competency in various fields.
Examination fees for 2024: EUR 60 per module (reading, listening) / EUR 85 per module (writing, speaking)
Several Austrian universities recognise the Zertifikat C2 as confirmation of German language competency upon admission.
