ÖSD exams explained: the pass marks for B1, B2 and C1, which modules can be taken alone, and where an ÖSD certificate counts

The ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1) is the same exam as the Goethe-Zertifikat B1: the ÖSD says it is a joint product of the ÖSD, the Goethe-Institut and the University of Fribourg, offered by both. It has four modules: Reading (65 minutes), Listening (about 40), Writing (60) and Speaking (about 15, usually in pairs).

Each module is scored out of 100 and passes at 60. The grades are the same in every module: 90–100 sehr gut, 80–89 gut, 70–79 befriedigend, 60–69 ausreichend, below 60 not passed. Nothing is added up across modules, so 95 in reading does not help a 55 in writing.

You can sit the modules separately, in any combination, and as often as you like. Pass all four at one sitting, or all four within one year at the same exam centre, and you get a full certificate (Gesamtzertifikat). Pass them at different centres, or only some of them, and you get one module certificate per module instead.

Our reading: if one skill failed, you only resit that one. But if an authority asks for the full certificate, do the resit at the same centre and within a year, or you end up with separate module certificates.

The ZDÖ B1 is for people who have moved to a German-speaking country, aged 16 and over, and its texts are about life in Austria. It has two modules, not four: a written exam (reading, Sprachbausteine grammar and vocabulary tasks, listening and writing) and a speaking exam.

The score sheet has no minimum for each part of the written exam. Reading is worth 75 points, Sprachbausteine 30, listening 75 and writing 45: 225 in all, and the written module passes at 135. Speaking is worth 75 and passes at 45. The whole exam is out of 300 with 180 to pass, and only if both modules reach their minimum.

Our reading: this is the one ÖSD exam where a strong reading and listening paper can carry a weak piece of writing, as long as the written total reaches 135. Writing is the smallest part of it, 45 of the 225 points.

The ÖSD Zertifikat B2 and C1 also have a written module and a speaking module, but they are scored out of 100 in total. In both, the written module is worth 70 points (reading 20, listening 20, writing 30) and speaking 30.

Every skill has its own minimum: half the points in reading (10 of 20), listening (10 of 20) and writing (15 of 30), and 18 of 30 in speaking. On top of that, the written module needs 42 of 70, and the exam 60 of 100. At C1, writing is two tasks of 15 points, and each task needs 7.

Our reading: the per-skill minimums are not enough on their own. Scoring exactly the minimum in reading, listening and writing gives 35 points, and the written module needs 42. A candidate has to be above the floor somewhere.

The grades for B2 and C1 are 88–100 sehr gut, 75–87 gut, 60–74 bestanden.

In Germany, the ÖSD lists the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 as proof of German for naturalisation, and A1 or higher for spouses joining a partner (shown at German missions abroad). Universities accept B2, C1 or C2, depending on the university.

In Austria, ÖSD A1 or higher is accepted as the German-before-immigration proof for several residence permits, and the ÖSD says it may not be more than a year old when you apply. Universities ask for A2 when you apply and, depending on the course, B1 to C2 to enrol.

Austria's integration agreement is different. The ÖSD says it ran the official A2 and B1 integration exams from July 2018 to the end of May 2021, and that these exams are now organised only by the ÖIF (Austrian Integration Fund). If you need Module 1 or 2 of the integration agreement, read the ÖIF integration exam explained first.

The certificate has no expiry date printed on it. The ÖSD's rules say that whether, and for how long, it is accepted is decided by the authority or institution asking for it. For the full picture by country, see German for citizenship in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Results are released only by the ÖSD head office. You first get a *result notice (Ergebnismitteilung), which can be used as provisional proof, for example with an authority. A passed full exam carries a QR code that can be checked with the ÖSD Cert-Checker app; a failed or partly passed exam has none. No certificate is issued for a failed exam.*

You can retake a whole exam or single modules as often as you like. After a fail, the ÖSD recommends waiting at least four weeks; the centre can set its own resit dates. Fees and cancellation terms are set by each exam centre, not by the ÖSD.

You can see your marked answer sheet and appeal a mark within four weeks of the certificate's date (or of being told you failed). Inspection is at the centre, and you may not copy or photograph anything. An appeal goes to the ÖSD head office through its contact form; with good reasons, it is re-marked for a fee. Duplicates can be ordered for five years after the exam.