ÖSD Zertifikat B2 (ZB2)
Exam target
The exam ÖSD Zertifikat B2 certifies a candidate’s ability to communicate clearly and in detail on a broad range of topics and conduct a normal conversation with native speakers in a spontaneous and fluent way.
This exam certifies language competence in communicative situations that go beyond the private sphere, as well as (semi-)public and professional fields. Candidates are able to understand text dealing with their area of expertise.
This exam is directed at learners aged 16 and over, an altered version is tailored to young learners aged 14 and above.
The exam comprises two modules: the Written exam (Reading, Listening and Writing) and the Oral exam (Speaking), focusing mainly on communicative competence, even though attention is also paid to formal accuracy.
Since 1st of January 2024, this exam has been offered both as a paper examination and as a digital examination.
Exam Preparation
No matter when, no matter where – with our tools, you can prepare for the ÖSD exam at any time.
Preparation material
More information and materials
- Model set brochures
- Exercise materials
- Additional preparation materials
- digital and printed
Digital Test Training
Model set for online practice
- Take a look at how an ÖSD exam is structured.
- Check out the solutions in theReading and Listening subtests.
- Write your own texts during subtest Writing and compare them with examples.
Model Set
Sample exam as download
- Reading, listening, writing and speaking task sheets and audio CD with audio texts
- Information and sample videos for the paper and digital exam.
- Free download: Model set, audio files and further information
Exam administration
The exam ÖSD Zertifikat B2 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 full certificate listing all completed modules.
The exam will be carried out by two licensed ÖSD examiners who subsequently mark the candidate’s performance (see score form). By request, an inspection of the rating sheet is possible. Here you can find the Exam Guidelines and the Terms and Conditions for Exam Administration.
Video example
Here you can find a video example for an oral exam.
Why do I need German language skills at level B2? German at level B2 offers a wide range of advantages and opportunities::
German certificate B2 as a proof of Austrian citizenship
If you take a German exam at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Lan-guages and receive an internationally recognised German language certificate after passing it, you can apply for citizenship on the basis of special integration.
Which german certificate do I need to study?
Many universities, universities of applied sciences and colleges in Germany, Austria and Switzerland require foreign students to have a certain german language level in order to take courses in Ger-man. A B2 German certificate corresponds to an advanced language level and is often considered sufficient to fulfil the language requirements for many degree programmes.
Note: However, some universities, universities of applied sciences and colleges may have higher requirements, especially for degree programmes that require intensive communication or written work in German.
Work and career
If you want to work in Austria, Switzerland or Germany, especially in positions that require commu-nication with customers, colleagues or business partners, a German certificate from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages at level B2 can be an important proof of your language skills.
Speaking German at level B2 – for medical and nursing professions
If you want to work in a healthcare profession in a German-speaking country, e.g. as a nurse or doctor, you will need to have German language skills. Depending on the region, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
Additional information on the ÖSD Certificate B2 / Nursing and Medical Professions (ZB2/PMB) can be found here.
