Learn German with the Österreich Institut
Individual. Flexible. Personal.
Put your knowledge to the test
Would you like to prove your German language skills with a corresponding certificate? Then the Österreich Institut is the right place for you. Our locations are recognised examination centres for the Austrian Language Diploma in German (ÖSD). We offer certification at all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference, from A1 to C2.
What is an ÖSD exam?
The ÖSD is a state-recognised examination for German as a foreign and second language. The certificate is not only relevant for professional contexts, but also a recognised proof of German language skills for admission to a university.
The ÖSD tests four language skills:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
We offer all ÖSD exams in modules: The ÖSD B1 and C2 exams contain four modules (reading, listening, writing, speaking), all others consist of two modules (written and oral exam). There is no separate grammar section. The individual modules can be completed independently of each other and at different times – we will adapt to your individual learning pace. Once you have passed all the modules, you will receive your overall certificate.
Particularly practical: The ÖSD exams are recognised as language certificates not only in Austria, but worldwide.
CERTIFICATES FOR THE GERMAN LANGUAGE
The Österreich Institut is a licensed examination centre for the Austrian German Language Diploma (ÖSD) and systematically conducts ÖSD examinations at all levels, both for children and young people as well as for adults.
- Language certificates for children and young people: ÖSD KID A1, ÖSD KID A2, ÖSD B1 / adolescents, ÖSD B2 / adolescents, ÖSD C1 / adolescents
- Language certificates for adults: ÖSD A1, ÖSD A2, ÖSD B1, ÖSD B2, ÖSD C1, ÖSD C2, ÖSD Wirtschaftssprache Deutsch C2
You can take the ÖSD exam several times a year at the Österreich Institut. You can find the current examination dates in our examination catalogue or on the websites of our institutes.
CERTIFICATES AT THE ÖSTERREICH INSTITUT
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Austrijski institut Sarajevo
- holds ÖSD exams for adults throughout the year (from January to December)
- offers one or more exam dates at different levels every week
- guarantees all candidates results and ÖSD A1 and ÖSD A2 certificates within seven days
- all candidates at ÖSD B1, ÖSD B2 and ÖSD C1 levels are guaranteed results within seven days and the ÖSD certificate within 10 to 12 days from the day of the exam
- offers an express results service by email on the day of application and a digital certificate within 2 to 4 days from the day of application
- organises exam preparation courses with licensed examiners
Italy
Österreich Institut Roma
- organises four ÖSD exam dates per year (in February, May, June, November)
- organises ÖSD examinations at all levels for children, young people and adults
Poland
Österreich Institut Krakau
- holds ÖSD examinations seven times a year (in February, April, June, July, September, October and December)
- organises ÖSD examinations at all levels for children, young people and adults
Österreich Institut Warschau
- holds ÖSD examinations four times a year (in February/March, June, July and October)
- organises ÖSD examinations at all levels for children, young people and adults
Österreich Institut Wrocław
- holds ÖSD exam sessions four times a year (in March, June, September and November)
- Examinations at all levels for children, young people and adults
Russia
Österreich Institut Moskau
- organises ÖSD examinations at all levels for adults
serbia
Austrijski institut Beograd
- Exams take place every month
- ÖSD exams are held at all levels, for adults as well as for children and teenagers
slovakia
Österreich Institut Bratislava
- organises ÖSD exams four times a year (in January/February, April, August and November)
- organises ÖSD exams for young people and adults at all levels (except ÖSD C2)
Czech Republic
Österreich Institut Brno
- organises ÖSD examinations at all levels for adults
hungary
Osztrák Intézet Budapest
- organises ÖSD exams for children, teenagers and adults all year round.
- offers accredited (state-recognised) exams at 9 locations in Hungary and 8 locations in Budapest.
- has a total of 14 examination centres throughout the country.
- has a general power of attorney for the ÖSD and thus takes over the complete organisation and coordination of all ÖSD examinations in Hungary.
- also offers non-accredited exams such as ÖSD A1 and ÖSD A2 on an almost monthly basis.
- places a special focus on children and offers ÖSD exams specially tailored to them – ÖSD KID1 (A1) and ÖSD KID2 (A2).
- guarantees the results of accredited exams within two weeks, ÖSD certificates within three weeks and Hungarian certificates within four weeks.
- also organises exam preparation courses conducted by licensed examiners.
How long is the ÖSD certificate valid?
No matter what level and no matter what examination date – your certificate is valid indefinitely.
We are happy to support you in preparing for your exam. Our course catalogue offers numerous courses for every level. Whether in a small group, one-on-one lesson or online course, our course instructors have many years of experience and are happy to meet your individual needs. On our Austria Institute learning platform SERVUS, we also provide you with numerous additional contents for your learning process.
The right certificate for your language level
ÖSD Certificate A1
The exam for beginners. With this certificate, you prove that you can use German in simple, everyday situations.
ÖSD Certificate A2
Do you already have the basics down? This certificate proves that you can communicate in German in simple, routine situations in everyday and professional life.
ÖSD Certificate B1
The B1 certificate proves that you can use German independently in most situations in everyday and professional life.
ÖSD Certificate B2
With the ÖSD Certificate B2, you prove that you can express yourself clearly in a (semi-)public and professional context.
ÖSD Certificate C1
The C1 exam proves that you can communicate correctly in various situations in social and professional life – even in complex contexts.
ÖSD Certificate C2
German for professionals: With the C2 exam, you prove that you can speak German almost effortlessly in all situations, both at work and in everyday life.
German language certificates
How do I register for the exam and receive my language certificate?
Select an exam centre and register online for the ÖSD exam of your choice. You can pay for the exam by credit card at the time of booking or by bank transfer according to the payment deadline you receive on your booking confirmation. If you do not make the payment, you will not be able to take the exam. The Österreich Institut reserves the right not to admit a candidate to the ÖSD exam in exceptional cases.
ÖSD exam results and language certificate
The regulations for the ÖSD exam results may vary depending on the location. As a rule, you will receive a notification as soon as the results are available. Please contact the location where you have taken or wish to take the exam directly to obtain detailed information:
You may only collect your ÖSD language certificate in person (with your identity card, passport or other proof of identity). If it is impossible for you to do so, prepare an authorisation for the person who is allowed to collect your ÖSD certificate on your behalf.
What should you do if you have failed the ÖSD exam or part of it?
If you have failed a part of the ÖSD exam (written or oral), you have the opportunity to take this part at another exam session within one year.
For the ÖSD B1 and ÖSD C2 module exams, which are divided into four modules (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing, speaking), you can only retake the failed part – at the price set for the respective module.
How can I prepare for the ÖSD exam and obtain the certificate?
There are various ways to prepare for the ÖSD exam:
- Participation in exam preparation courses with licensed examiners at the location of your choice. You can find the current range of courses here:
- ÖSD exam preparation materials are available for a fee directly at some Österreich Institut locations or in larger bookshops.
- One-to-one tuition under the guidance of experienced ÖSD examiners. For more detailed information, please contact the course office at the location of your choice.
Can I take an ÖSD exam at the Österreich Institut in Vienna?
Our ÖSD examination programme is aimed exclusively at customers who are located abroad (not in Austria).
Where can I register for the ÖSD exam?
You can find the current offer in our examination catalogue, where you can register for the examination!
You might also be interested in
German courses at the Österreich Institut
Whether it’s a beginner’s course, a group course or German for companies, we have the right course for you. With experience and sensitivity, our course leaders will help you achieve your learning goals.
Find your language level
What do the levels A1 to C2 mean? We are happy to help you find the right language level for you. We can also offer you the right course for your individual German language skills, both online and on-site at our locations.
