ÖSD Certificate Everything you need to know about the Austrian German language diploma, levels A1 through C2
Do you need an officially recognized German language certificate? The Austrian German Language Diploma (ÖSD) offers the same qualification as the Goethe-Zertifikat. By passing the ÖSD exam, you can demonstrate your language skills—for school, vocational training, college, and your career.
An Overview of the Austrian German Language Diploma (ÖSD)
- The ÖSD is available for all proficiency levels—A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2—of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- The certificates cover a wide range of topics. There are also special courses for children and teenagers, as well as a certificate in Business German at the C2 level.
- To receive the ÖSD, you must pass a German language exam. There is a fee for the exams, and they can only be taken at licensed testing centers.
- The test assesses listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.
- ÖSD Certificates are recognized internationally by companies, government agencies, schools, and universities.
The Austrian German Language Diploma is of great interest to many participants. That is why we will guide you through all the important questions below:
What is the ÖSD Certificate?
The Austrian German Language Diploma (ÖSD) is a state-recognized examination system for German as a foreign and second language. The exams are recognized worldwide as proof of German language proficiency.
What does ÖSD stand for?
ÖSD stands for “Austrian Language Diploma in German” and also for “Austria, Switzerland, Germany.” Quote from the website: “The ÖSD is based on a pluricentric view of language and aims to authentically reflect the diversity of the German language in its exams. Accordingly, the standard varieties of the German-speaking countries (Austria–Switzerland–Germany) are considered equivalent and are taken into account in the exams. The texts in the reading and listening sections come from these three German-speaking countries.”
Is the ÖSD Certificate recognized in Germany?
By passing the Austrian Language Diploma in German (ÖSD), you can demonstrate your language proficiency—for school, vocational training, college, and your career. This applies in Germany as well, since the ÖSD offers the same qualification as the Goethe-Zertifikat and is internationally recognized by companies, government agencies, schools, and universities. It serves as proof that you are learning German or have already learned it.
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How long is the ÖSD Certificate valid?
ÖSD Certificates are valid indefinitely. However, some government agencies, institutions, and employers request a certificate that is no more than two years old.
Where can I take an ÖSD exam?
The exams can be taken at licensed ÖSD test centers worldwide. There are over 200 test centers in Austria and about 200 more worldwide. You can find an interactive search for test centers here: ÖSD test centers
What ÖSD exams are available, and how much does an exam cost?
Whether it’s for school, vocational training, college, a career, or naturalization in Austria: ÖSD Certificates are available for all proficiency levels—A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2—of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The ÖSD currently offers 16 different exams. You can find an overview of all certificates on the ÖSD website: Overview of ÖSD exams
The cost of each exam depends on the proficiency level, the test center, and other factors. We therefore recommend that you inquire about the costs directly with the test centers. In Austria, the cost ranges from approximately 100 to 300 euros.
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How long does the ÖSD Certificate take?
After you pass the exam, it may sometimes take a while to receive your certificate—depending on the type of exam and your location, results are usually announced within 4 to 6 weeks after the exam.
How can I best prepare for the ÖSD exam?
The DeutschAkademie offers a special ÖSD exam preparation course designed to help you prepare specifically for the exams.
About the ÖSD exam preparation course
You can also find sample questions, practice materials, and practice tests on the ÖSD website. You can even take a practice exam there under actual exam conditions: Materials for preparing for the ÖSD Certificate
Current exam prep courses
Exam preparation courses at the DeutschAkademie start every month, all year round. They are held exclusively online and cover all exam-relevant topics through exam simulations, practice tests, and a wide range of additional, proven exercises and teaching materials.
Why you should sign up for an exam prep course with us:
- Over 20 years of experience in German courses
- Well-prepared for language exams
- All areas relevant to the exam are covered: reading, writing, speaking, and listening
- Additional exercises, proven learning materials, exam simulations, and practice tests
- Great price: from 89 euros
- The course is held online, so you can participate from anywhere.
- The course takes place on Fridays. This makes it easy to combine with the intensive and semi-intensive courses (Mon–Thu).
Looking for another certificate?
No problem! Just choose a different German language certificate to demonstrate your German proficiency.
