FAQ

The ÖSD exam is open to anyone who wants to certify their German language skills—whether you’re learning for work, study, or personal goals.

Recommended minimum ages:

• A1 & A2: 14 years and above
• B1 to C2: 16 years and above

For younger learners, special versions of the exam are available:

• ÖSD KID A1 / A2: from age 10
• B1 Jugendliche: from age 12

If you’re unsure which version fits, we’re happy to help.

ÖSD aims to make its exams as inclusive as possible. If you have reading, writing, hearing, or visual impairments, special arrangements may be available to support you.

Information for candidates with special needs can be found here.
Please get in touch with us in advance at [email protected] for India or [email protected] for Indonesia so we can guide you through your options.

That depends on your purpose:

• A1 is often required for spouse immigration
• B1 or B2 may be needed for nursing jobs or employment
• B2 or C1 is commonly requested for university admissions

If you’re uncertain, our consultancy team can help you determine the right path.
Email us at [email protected] for India or [email protected] for Indonesia

There’s no limit. You can retake the exam as often as needed.

The ÖSD website offers model test papers for all levels. We also run exam preparation courses tailored to A1–B2 levels, helping you get familiar with the format and improve your performance.

Interested? Reach out to [email protected] for India or [email protected] for Indonesia for course details.

ÖSD certificates do not have an official expiry date. However, many institutions prefer a certificate issued within the last 1–2 years, especially for immigration or admissions.

To pass an ÖSD exam, you must meet two requirements:

• Minimum scores in each individual section—Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking
• A combined passing score for the entire written module (Reading + Listening + Writing)

Each exam level has its own scoring system. Here’s a breakdown:

ÖSD – Zertifikat A1

• Reading: 30 maximum marks | you need 6 marks to pass
• Listening: 30 maximum marks | you need 6 marks to pass
• Writing: 15 maximum marks | you need 4 (Task 2) to pass
• Speaking: 25 maximum marks | you need 12 to pass
• Combined score for reading + listening + writing: 38 points minimum

ÖSD – Zertifikat A2

• Reading: 25 maximum marks | you need 5 marks to pass
• Listening: 30 maximum marks | you need 6 marks to pass
• Writing: 15 maximum marks | you need 3 to pass
• Speaking: 20 maximum marks | you need 12 to pass
• Combined score for reading + listening + writing: 35 points minimum

ÖSD – Zertifikat B1

Each section – reading, listening, writing and speaking – has 100 maximum marks.
You need 60/100 in each to pass.

ÖSD – Zertifikat B2

• Reading: 20 maximum marks | you need 10 marks to pass
• Listening: 20 maximum marks | you need 10 marks to pass
• Writing: 30 maximum marks | you need 15 to pass
• Speaking: 30 maximum marks | you need 18 to pass
• Combined score for reading + listening + writing: 42 points minimum

Standard processing by ÖSD Austria takes 6–7 weeks after the exam. You can collect your certificate at our exam centre, or we can courier it to you.
Need results faster? Choose Express Processing:

• A1 / A2: ₹7,500
• B1 / B2: ₹8,500

Apply at least 10 working days before the exam, and you’ll receive your PDF result in 15 days and the certificate within 20.
Note: Express fees will increase from July 2025 onwards.

No, unfortunately, changes to personal details are not allowed after registration. The name and information you provide when booking your exam will appear exactly as they are on your certificate.

This applies even in cases such as marriage, divorce, or legal name changes after registration. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you double-check your details carefully before submitting your form.

You can request a replacement within five years of your exam date. A reissue fee applies. Email [email protected] for India or [email protected] for Indonesia with your request, and we’ll guide you through the steps.

Unfortunately, exam fees are non-refundable under all circumstances—including illness, travel delays, or personal emergencies.
We recommend confirming your availability before booking your slot.

• Not allowed for A1, A2, and B1 levels
• Permitted at the B2 level

Please note that only paper dictionaries (no notes or bookmarks) are accepted if allowed.