ÖSD B1 exam: understand it and practise online
Everything about the ÖSD B1 exam at a glance: the written and the oral exam, points and pass mark, plus 5 complete model tests in the real exam format, a course with 26 lessons and AI feedback on Writing and Speaking.
All study materials comparedWhat is the ÖSD B1 exam?
The ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 (ZDÖ B1 for short, ÖSD = Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is an official proof of German at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is aimed at people aged 16 and over who live in Austria, so the texts and situations come from everyday life in Austria. At B1 you understand the main points of familiar topics, can communicate in everyday situations and write simple connected texts.
The exam has two modules: the written exam (Lesen & Sprachbausteine, Hören, Schreiben) and the oral exam (Sprechen). You can take them together or separately, and retake each module on its own. The exam is available on paper and, since 2024, digitally too, with the same tasks.
Don't mix them up: the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1) is a different exam. It has four modules, and there Lesen takes 65 minutes, Hören approx. 40 and Schreiben 60 minutes with three tasks. It is identical to the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, and ExamReady has its own course and five model tests for it too. Go to Goethe-Zertifikat B1 / ÖSD ZB1
Structure of the ÖSD B1 exam: written and oral
The written exam takes around 160 minutes and covers Lesen & Sprachbausteine, Hören and Schreiben. The oral exam is a separate module.
Lesen & Sprachbausteine
Three reading tasks (headlines, a newspaper article, ads) and two Sprachbausteine, 40 items in total.
Hören
Three tasks with 20 statements, each true or false. You hear task 1 once, tasks 2 and 3 twice.
Schreiben
One email: you choose Variante A (personal) or Variante B (formal) and cover four Leitpunkte.
Sprechen
The oral exam, on your own or in a pair, after 10 minutes of preparation: making contact, talking about a topic, solving a task together.
Scoring and passing: 60% in both modules
The written exam is worth up to 225 points (Lesen & Sprachbausteine 105, Hören 75, Schreiben 45); you pass from 135. There is no separate pass mark for the individual parts, only the total counts: strong Reading can make up for weaker Writing. The oral exam is worth up to 75 points, pass mark 45. Both thresholds equal 60%.
- Written: Lesen & Sprachbausteine, Hören and Schreiben together, 225 points
- Oral: Sprechen after 10 minutes of preparation, 75 points
- Pass mark 60% in each module: 135 of 225 and 45 of 75
- The modules can be taken separately and retaken as often as you like
What do you need the ÖSD B1 certificate for?
B1 German is required in many situations in Austria. Whether a specific certificate is sufficient for your purpose is always decided by the relevant authority, ExamReady prepares you for the exam format.
How do you practise with ExamReady?
You work through 5 complete model tests just like the real exam, with timer, tasks and answers right in the browser. Afterwards you immediately get your results and targeted feedback.
- Practise Writing with AI feedback and an improved version
- Practise Speaking with recording, transcript and feedback
- Reading and Listening with automatic scoring
- Automatic scoring instead of marking it yourself
- AI feedback on Writing and Speaking based on the exam criteria
- Solutions with explanations for every task
- Progress and exam readiness at a glance
- PDF: no scoring, no feedback
ÖSD B1: try every part for free
One real task per part, solved right on the page and checked at once, with explanations. No sign-up.
- Lesen Aufgabe 1 · approx. 15 minÖSD B1 Lesen Aufgabe 1: Überschriften zuordnen
- Lesen Aufgabe 2 · approx. 20 minÖSD B1 Lesen Aufgabe 2: Zeitungsartikel mit Multiple Choice
- Lesen Aufgabe 3 · approx. 15 minÖSD B1 Lesen Aufgabe 3: Anzeigen und Situationen
- Sprachbausteine Aufgabe 1 · approx. 10 minÖSD B1 Sprachbausteine 1: Lückentext mit A, B oder C
- Sprachbausteine Aufgabe 2 · approx. 10 minÖSD B1 Sprachbausteine 2: Brief mit Wortliste
- Hören Aufgabe 1 · approx. 5 minÖSD B1 Hören Aufgabe 1: Stellungnahmen, richtig oder falsch
- Hören Aufgabe 2 · approx. 10 minÖSD B1 Hören Aufgabe 2: Gespräch im Radio
- Hören Aufgabe 3 · approx. 8 minÖSD B1 Hören Aufgabe 3: kurze Hörtexte
- Schreiben · approx. 40 minÖSD B1 Schreiben: formelles E-Mail ans Fundbüro
What you get for ÖSD B1
You start for free and decide for yourself if and when you need Pro.
The course: 26 lessons
Short lessons take you step by step through every exam task: how it is built, where points get lost and how to win them. With exercises and checkpoints.
Open the course5 complete model tests
Every task in the real exam format, with a timer, automatic scoring, solutions with explanations and AI feedback on writing and speaking.
Open the model testsFree or Pro
Free: 2 keys every day, each one opens a lesson or a task for good.
Pro: €24.90 for 30 days or €49.90 for 90 days. Paid once, no subscription, 3-day money-back guarantee.
See pricesTips for your ÖSD B1 preparation
Practise in the real format
Train with complete model tests against the clock, not just with vocabulary lists. That way you know the task types and the timing.
Actively train Writing & Speaking
These parts are often decisive. Get concrete feedback on task fulfilment, grammar and vocabulary.
Close your weak spots deliberately
After each run, check which part is your biggest risk and practise exactly that.
Frequently asked questions about the ÖSD B1 exam
How many points do you need to pass?
135 of 225 points in the written exam and 45 of 75 in the oral exam, 60% each. There are no separate pass marks for Reading, Listening and Writing: only the total of the written exam counts.
Can you retake individual modules?
Yes. The written and the oral exam are separate modules. You can take each on its own and retake it as often as you like. If you pass both within one year at the same exam centre, you get one full certificate.
How long does the exam take?
The written exam takes around 160 minutes: Lesen & Sprachbausteine 90, Hören approx. 30 and Schreiben 40 minutes. The oral exam takes approx. 15 minutes, on your own or in a pair, plus 10 minutes of preparation time.
How much does the ÖSD B1 exam cost?
The fee is set by the respective exam centre and varies by country and location. Ask an ÖSD exam centre near you directly.
How hard is B1?
B1 is “independent language use” in the CEFR: you understand the main points of familiar topics, manage everyday situations and travel, and can write connected texts on familiar subjects.
Is the ÖSD B1 certificate recognised?
The ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 is an official proof of German at level B1. Whether it is sufficient for your specific purpose (e.g. residence, citizenship, work) is decided by the relevant authority.
Where can I take the exam?
You take the exam at an official ÖSD exam centre. ExamReady is independent and prepares you for the exam format, you book the exam itself with the exam centre.
Exam parts & topics in detail
Start your ÖSD B1 preparation.
Practise for free with 2 keys a day: each opens a task or a course lesson for good. That way you see how ready you really are.
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