German exams · A1-C2

ÖSD - Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch

ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) - a separate provider, not Goethe and not telc. Run by ÖSD (Austria); recognised in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; the Austrian integration exam.

The exam in detail

A state-recognised exam system for German as a foreign and second language from Austria; since 2009 an independent, self-financing non-profit association; the first exams took place in 1995, today more than 100,000 candidates a year at about 400 licensed centres worldwide. "ÖSD" also stands for Österreich - Schweiz - Deutschland: the standard varieties of all three countries count as equal, and the Lesen and Hören texts come from all three (pluricentric standard German).
Levels: ÖSD Zertifikat A1 to C2 (ZA1-ZC2), plus youth versions and job-specific exams (e.g. ÖSD Zertifikat C1 Pflege und medizinische Berufe, ÖSD Zertifikat C2 Wirtschaftssprache Deutsch).
ÖSD Zertifikat C1 (ZC1): for learners from 16 (a youth version from 14), aimed especially at people who want to study at a German-speaking university. Two modules, Schriftliche Prüfung (Lesen, Hören, Schreiben) and Mündliche Prüfung (Sprechen), taken together or separately: a Gesamtzertifikat when both are passed at one date or within one year at the same centre, otherwise a Modulzertifikat per module. Since 1 January 2024 also as a digital exam.
ZC1 parts: Lesen - 4 Aufgaben, 90 minutes (authentic texts from Austria, Germany and Switzerland, global and detailed understanding); Hören - 2 Aufgaben, about 40 minutes (standard-language authentic recordings, global, detailed and selective understanding); Schreiben - 2 texts from given input, a formal e-mail and a written Referat, Stellungnahme or Kommentar, 90 minutes; Sprechen - 3 Aufgaben (Telefongespräch, Diskussion, Kurzreferat), 15-20 minutes, conducted and rated by two trained ÖSD examiners.
ÖSD Zertifikat C2 (ZC2): for learners from 16; four modules Lesen, Hören, Schreiben and Sprechen that can be taken independently at different dates (Gesamtzertifikat when all four are passed at one date or within one year at the same centre, otherwise a Modulzertifikat per module). Lesen - 4 Aufgaben, 90 minutes; Hören - 3 Aufgaben, about 40 minutes; Schreiben - 2 texts from given input, 90 minutes; Sprechen - 3 Aufgaben (Telefongespräch, Präsentation, Diskussion on the presented topic), 15-20 minutes. Also digital since 1 January 2024.
Points and pass marks per module are not given on the exam pages; they follow the official Auswertungsbogen and Prüfungsordnung linked on osd.at.
Recognition in Austria: for admission to a German-language degree Austrian universities require an ÖSD certificate between B1 and C2 depending on university and programme (and A2 already at application since the 2019 summer semester); ÖSD certificates from A1 upwards also serve as language proof for residence titles.
Recognition in Germany: accepted by German universities at B2, C1 or C2 depending on the university; the ÖSD Zertifikat C2 exempts from DSH/TestDaF under § 8 of the RO-DT; the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 counts for naturalisation.

The facts above are the reference notes the Eszett tutor is given when you ask about this exam; they follow the providers' published regulations and handbooks. Check the provider's site for current fees and dates. Other exams: which German exam is right for you.