ÖSD Zertifikat A1

For the exam ÖSD Zertifikat A1, candidates should be able to communicate on a basic level in simple situations of their everyday life.
ÖSD Zertifikat A1 is directed at learners aged 14 and over and certifies language competence in routine situations with familiar topics and activities.
The exam ÖSD Zertifikat A1 comprises the two modules: Written exam (Reading, Listening and Writing) and Oral exam (Speaking), focusing mainly on the receptive skills Reading and Listening.
For further information go to our references for the recognition of ÖSD Exams in Austria.

Exam modules

Module: Written exam

Reading

The overall and detailed comprehension of different, simple and authentic text from Austria, Germany and Switzerland is assessed in three different tasks.
Duration: 25 minutes
ZA1 Sample Test: Reading

Writing

Candidates have to fill out a form and write a simple text. The text is assessed according to predetermined criteria (see rating sheet).
Duration: 20 minutes
ZA1 Sample Test: Writing

Listening

Global, detailed and selective comprehension of listening text in the standard language as spoken in Austria, Germany and Switzerland that deal with everyday situations is assessed in three tasks.
Duration: approx. 10 minutes
ZA1 Sample Test: Listening

Module: Oral exam

Speaking

The oral exam consists of three different tasks: a brief introduction about yourself, a simple description of a picture and a role play. The oral part is assessed according to predetermined criteria (see rating sheet).
Duration: approx. 10 minutes
ZA1 Sample Test: Speaking

Exam administration

The exam ÖSD Zertifikat A1 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 certificate listing all completed modules.
The exam will be administered by two certified ÖSD examiners who subsequently mark the examinee’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.

Sample test

This sample test can be used as preparation for your exam. You can download the exercise sheets for Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, as well as the answer key and audio files here.

Materials for exam preparation

Order practice material (Volume 1)
Order practice material (Volume 2)