German Language Exams: ÖSD

The Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) is an internationally recognized proof of German language skills, covering all levels from A1 to C2. The exams are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are offered worldwide at licensed exam centers. They are aimed at people with a range of goals – such as everyday life, university, work, or immigration – and place emphasis on practical use of the German language.

Exam types

The ÖSD offers exams for different age groups and target audiences. Children and young people between ten and fourteen years of age can certify language skills from A1 to C1 through age-appropriate exams. From the age of fourteen, all levels from A2 to C2 are available. There are also professional and subject-specific exams for particular occupational requirements.

Registration and fees

Registration takes place through a licensed ÖSD exam center or online via the official ÖSD website. During registration, the country, exam center, and date are selected and a registration form is completed. The fee is paid either online or on-site, depending on the center. The exam always takes place in person at the exam center – either paper-based or electronically, depending on the location. Purely online or at-home exams are not available.

Fees depend on the chosen language level and increase at higher levels. Current prices can be found on the official ÖSD website or directly from the exam center.

Exam structure

The ÖSD exam tests all four skills – reading, listening, writing, and speaking – and is organized in a modular format. In the standard model, it consists of two modules: a written exam covering reading, listening, and writing, and a separate oral exam. For adults at B1 and C2 level, an extended model with four individual modules is available, which can be taken independently of each other at different times. Which model applies to a given level is described on the ÖSD website under the relevant exam level.

Content and requirements

The tasks are focused on practical language use in realistic situations. The reading section involves working with a range of text types to identify main ideas, details, and connections. The listening section focuses on understanding spoken information from everyday and topic-related contexts. The writing section requires producing level-appropriate texts whose content, structure, and language meet the relevant requirements. In the speaking section, candidates complete communicative tasks in direct interaction.

Requirements increase with each level: at lower levels, everyday situations take center stage, while higher levels call for more complex topics, more nuanced structures, and a broader vocabulary.

Preparation materials

Free practice materials are available on the ÖSD website for all levels from A1 to C2, including practice tasks with answer keys and audio files for listening comprehension. The materials are available digitally and can in some cases also be printed. Licensed ÖSD exam centers and language institutes also offer preparation courses in person or online, covering all parts of the exam and helping candidates develop effective exam strategies.

Options if the exam is failed

Under the standard model, if one of the three written parts is not passed, the entire written exam block must be repeated. The oral exam can be repeated independently. At levels B1 and C2, where four separate modules are offered, individual modules that were not passed can be retaken without having to repeat those already passed. The exact retake options depend on the exam format and level and are determined by the relevant exam center.

Certificate after passing

If all modules of an exam are passed at a single exam date or within one year at the same exam center, the ÖSD issues a full certificate. Those who pass only individual modules receive a module certificate. The certificate is generally issued in person at the relevant ÖSD exam center.