Tell a friend
Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD)
ÖSD is an examination system recognised by the Austrian governement, offering German examinations at various levels of proficiency worldwide. It is based on the international guidelines of the Council of Europe.
ÖSD is a six-level test system, developed for young people and German teachers abroad. It serves as proof of German knowledge and is recognised by universities, training centres and employers in numerous countries. Primarily the OESD examines linguistic abilities in appropriate situations and is only for non-native speakers.
Structure
ÖSD is an examination testing basic skills like writing, reading, listening and speaking.
KID1 - Kompetenz in Deutsch 1
Designed to test the language skills of children and teens in everyday situations.
- Reading comprehension; general and detailed knowledge is tested on the basis of three texts
- Listening comprehension; includes three tasks related to texts read out loud
- Written expression; composition of a letter using a given template (65 minutes)
- Oral expression; comprised of two tasks (10 minutes)
KID2 - Kompetenz in Deutsch 2
Designed to test the language skills of children and teens in everyday situations, with a focus on comprehension.
- Reading comprehension; general and detailed knowledge is tested on the basis of three texts
- Listening comprehension; includes three tasks related to texts read out loud
- Written expression; composition of a letter responding to several questions (80 minutes)
- Oral expression; comprised of two tasks (10 minutes)
GD - Grundstufe Deutsch
Examines the ability to communicate on an elementary level in familiar everyday life situations. Corresponds to the A2 level of the Common European Framework.
- Reading comprehension; two tasks (30 minutes)
- Listening comprehension; three tasks (30 minutes)
- Written expression; composition of a personal brief (30 minutes)
- Oral expression (10 minutes)
ZD - Zertifikat Deutsch
Examines language comprehension in everyday life and work situations, with an emphasis on communication. Corresponds to the B1 level of the Common European Framework.
- Reading comprehension; general, detailed and selective knowledge is tested through multiple-choice questions (90 minutes)
- Listening comprehension; tests general and detailed knowledge (30 minutes)
- Written expression; composition of a letter on the basis of four points (30 minutes)
- Oral expression (15 minutes)
MD - Mittelstufe Deutsch
Along with communication for everyday life, specialized communication is also examined. Corresponds to the C1 level of the Common European Framework. This examination is recognised as proof of German knowledge for admittance to Austrian universities.
- Reading comprehension; tests general and detailed knowledge (90 minutes)
- Listening comprehension; two tasks (30 minutes)
- Written expression; composition of a formal letter as well as a free-writing task (90 minutes)
- Oral expression (15 minutes)
WD - Wirtschaftssprache Deutsch
This examination was created in association with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce and requires a very level of language competency as well as specialised knowledge in the area of economics. Corresponds to the C2 level of the Common European Framework.
- Listening comprehension; tests general, detailed and specialised knowledge (45 minutes)
- Written expression; composition of two texts (75 minutes)
- Oral expression (20 minutes)
Results
Both the written and oral examinations must be passed in order to obtain a diploma.
Current information can be found on the following website: