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Exam target

For the exam ÖSD Zertifikat A1, candidates should be able to communicate on a basic level in simple situations of their everyday life.

ÖSD Zertifikat A1 is directed at learners aged 14 and over and certifies language competence in routine situations with familiar topics and activities.

The exam ÖSD Zertifikat A1 comprises the two modules: Written exam (Reading, Listening and Writing) and Oral exam (Speaking), focusing mainly on the receptive skills Reading and Listening.

For further information go to our references for the recognition of ÖSD Exams in Austria.

Reading

Three tasks are used to assess the comprehension of various authentic, simple texts from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland in terms of their overall meaning and individual content. Duration: 25 minutes.

Writing

An application form must be completed, and a simple text must be written. The texts are evaluated based on established criteria (see evaluation sheet). Duration: 20 minutes.

Listening

In three tasks, global understanding, detailed comprehension, and selective listening skills are assessed through standard-spoken authentic, simple audio texts from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, covering everyday topics. Duration: approximately 10 minutes.

Speaking

An application form must be completed, and a simple text must be written. The texts are evaluated based on established criteria (see evaluation sheet). Duration: 20 minutes.

Exam administration

The exam ÖSD Zertifikat A1 comprises two modules: the Written exam (Reading, Listening and Writing) and the Oral exam (Speaking). These modules can be sat and certified individually or taken in combination. Candidates who have taken and passed one module will receive a single copy of a certificate for the module taken. If both modules were successfully completed within a year, at the same exam centre, candidates will be entitled to receive a single copy of a certificate listing all completed modules. The exam will be administered by two certified ÖSD examiners who subsequently mark the examinee’s performance (see score form). By request, an inspection of the rating sheet is possible. Here you can find the Exam Regulations and the Terms and Conditions for Exam Administration.

Video example

Here you can find a video example for an oral exam.

The significance of the German A1 exam for your stay in Germany or Austria

Anyone who wants to officially demonstrate their German language proficiency needs to take a recognized A1 German exam. A1 is the lowest level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If someone speaks German at the A1 level, they can understand simple sentences and handle everyday situations, such as daily shopping or a doctor's appointment.

Why do I need a German A1 exam?

Family reunification: If a person is not from the EU and wants to join their family in Germany or Austria, they must first pass an A1 German exam. First visa: Even if someone wants to obtain a visa, they must take a recognized A1 German test and submit the certificate to a German or Austrian embassy.