ÖSD B2 exam: understand it and practise online
Everything about the ÖSD B2 exam at a glance: the four skills, scoring and pass marks, plus a complete model test in the real exam format, with AI feedback on writing and speaking.
What is the ÖSD B2 exam?
The ÖSD Zertifikat B2 (ÖSD = Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is an official German certificate at level B2 of the Common European Framework (CEFR). At B2 you understand complex texts, discuss spontaneously with native speakers and write clear, detailed texts that argue a point of view.
The exam consists of two parts: the written exam (Lesen, Hören and Schreiben) and the oral exam (Sprechen). They can be taken separately and, if needed, repeated separately. Before speaking you get 15 minutes of preparation time.
Structure of the ÖSD B2 exam: the four skills
Four parts with very different task types, from a newspaper article with its margin cut off to a comparison table in the listening exam.
Lesen
Four tasks: a newspaper article with multiple choice, matching headlines, reconstructing a text cut off at the margin, and completing a promotional letter.
Hören
Two tasks: a radio programme (heard twice) with true/false items and a conversation (heard once) for which you fill in a comparison table.
Schreiben
Two texts of about 120 words each: a formal letter of complaint about an advert and an opinion essay on one of two topics of your choice.
Sprechen
Three tasks: getting to know and advising someone, interpreting one of three pictures, and defending an assigned point of view in a discussion.
Scoring and passing: 60 % in both parts
The written exam is worth 70 points (Lesen 20, Hören 20, Schreiben 30); you pass from 42 points. Speaking is worth 30 points, pass mark 18. Both thresholds equal 60 %, and both parts can be repeated separately.
- Written: Lesen, Hören and Schreiben together, 70 points
- Oral: Sprechen with 15 minutes of preparation, 30 points
- Pass mark 60 % in each part: 42 of 70 and 18 of 30
- The two parts can be taken and repeated separately
What do you need the ÖSD Zertifikat B2 for?
B2 is the level for university studies and qualified work. Whether a specific certificate is accepted 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 a complete B2 model test just like the real exam, with timer, audio and every task type right in the browser. Afterwards you get an instant evaluation and targeted feedback.
- Practise writing with AI feedback against the B2 criteria
- Practise speaking in a live conversation, with transcript and feedback
- Reading and listening scored automatically, gap by gap
- Automatic scoring instead of marking your own work
- AI feedback on writing and speaking at B2 level
- A mistake log that collects your weak spots
- Progress and exam readiness at a glance
- PDF: no scoring, no feedback
Tips for your ÖSD B2 preparation
Know the special formats
The cut-off newspaper article and the listening table are unique ÖSD formats. Seeing them for the first time in the exam is where most points are lost.
Train writing by text type
The complaint email and the opinion essay follow fixed patterns: salutation, structure, register. Practise both text types with feedback, not just grammar.
Take the single listening seriously
Listening task 2 plays only once, and the details do not come in table order. Practise taking notes under time pressure.
Frequent questions about the ÖSD B2 exam
How many points do you need to pass?
In the written exam 42 of 70 points, in speaking 18 of 30. Both thresholds equal 60 %, and both parts must be passed.
Can the two parts be repeated separately?
Yes. The written and the oral exam are separate parts. If you fail one of them, you repeat only that one.
How long does the exam take?
The written exam takes about three and a half hours: reading 90 minutes, listening about 30, writing 90. Speaking takes 15 to 20 minutes, plus 15 minutes of preparation time.
How much does the ÖSD B2 exam cost?
The fee is set by each exam centre and differs by country and city. Ask an ÖSD exam centre near you directly.
What is the difference between B1 and B2?
B1 is independent everyday language use. B2 demands considerably more: understanding complex texts, discussing spontaneously, arguing a point of view in writing and speech. The task formats are also harder, for example the cut-off newspaper article in the reading exam.
Is the ÖSD Zertifikat B2 recognised?
The ÖSD Zertifikat B2 is an official German certificate at level B2. Whether it is sufficient for your specific purpose, such as studies or professional recognition, 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.
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