There's still time to sign up! Don’t miss out on the special offer!

Exam target

For the ÖSD Zertifikat C1 exam, participants must be able to confidently handle a wide variety of spoken and written texts of considerable length, recognizing even implicit meanings, attitudes, or intentions; express themselves fluently, spontaneously, and without apparent effort; find the appropriate expression for the situation and context, whether in social, professional, or academic settings; use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes, and  express themselves clearly, in a structured and detailed manner on complex topics.

The ÖSD Zertifikat C1 is designed for German learners aged 16 and above and consists of two modules: a written exam (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression) and an oral exam (oral expression).

 

Before taking the corresponding ÖSD exam, we recommend:

  • Having completed and passed a full C1 level course.
  • Knowing the format and conditions of the ÖSD exam.
  • Remember that on exam day, instructions will be given in German.

Structure of the ÖSD C1 exam:

Module Written exam

Reading

Comprehension of authentic complex and specialized texts from different literary, academic, and journalistic genres.

 

⏱️ Duration: 90 minutes 

4 tasks:

  • Task 1: Complex text analysis with comprehension questions (5 items)
  • Task 2: Matching short texts to thematic categories (5 items)
  • Task 3: Gapped text - inserting paragraphs (5 items)
  • Task 4: Completing specialized text (15 items)

📊 20 maximum points

Modellsatz ZC1: Lesen

Listening

Comprehension of lectures, specialized interviews, debates, and complex conversations from German-speaking regions.

 

⏱️ Duration: 40 minutes 

2 tasks:

  • Task 1: Specialized lecture - multiple choice questions (10 items)
  • Task 2: Interview/Debate - completing notes and outlines (10 items)

📊 20 maximum points

Modellsatz ZC1: Hören

Writing

Writing complex formal and argumentative texts on specialized and academic topics.

 

⏱️ Duration: 90 minutes 

2 tasks:

  • Task 1: Formal email/letter with complex argumentation (approx. 200 words)
  • Task 2: Argumentative essay or critical commentary (min. 250 words)

📊 30 maximum points

Modellsatz ZC1: Schreiben

Module Oral exam

Speaking

Complex conversations, specialized debates, and academic presentations on current and professional topics.

 

⏱️ Duration: 15-20 min (+ 20 min preparation)

3 tasks:

  • Task 1: Formal phone conversation with argumentation (5 min.)
  • Task 2: Debate and negotiation on a specific topic (5 min.)
  • Task 3: Academic presentation with supporting material (10 min.)

📊 30 maximum points

Modellsatz ZC1: Sprechen

Exam administration

The ÖSD Zertifikat C1 exam consists of two modules: a written exam (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression) and an oral exam (oral expression). These modules can be taken and certified separately or in combination. Candidates who pass both modules at one exam date will receive a certificate listing both completed modules. Candidates who pass both modules  within one year and at the same examination center will also receive a certificate listing the two completed modules. Candidates who have taken and passed only one module will receive a certificate for the corresponding module.

The exam will be conducted by two certified ÖSD examiners who will subsequently evaluate the candidate's performance (see Gesamtbogen). The answer sheet can be accessed upon request.

Here you will find the Examination Regulations (Prüfungsordnung) and the Terms and Conditions for conducting the exam (Durchführungsbestimmungen).

Register now! Limited seats available – Deadline: Oct 31, 2025

Exam date

FAQs

Registration is done exclusively online, directly through the registration form and takes place during the registration period published on our website. Note that the institute only opens its doors to the public during exam dates. You can find detailed registration and exam dates at the following link: Official ÖSD German exam at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires

The ÖSD exam is held in person at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, located at Bulnes 644.

To register, you must complete the ÖSD registration form and pay for the exam during the corresponding registration period.

On exam day, you must present a valid official identity document with photo (for example, passport, ID card, etc.).

You can find the current fees for the different ÖSD exams at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires at the following link: Official ÖSD German exam at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires

Yes, both regular students at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires and regular students at Argentine public universities get a discount on the official ÖSD exam. The ÖSD exam fees on our website under "Current Prices."

Yes, ÖSD exams (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) constitute an internationally valid accreditation of German language knowledge. The examination foundations, developed according to the strictest quality criteria, are designed according to the criteria established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and guarantee you a professional and objective evaluation of your language knowledge.

Yes, ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is a member of ALTE.

To practice for the German exams, ÖSD provides exam models that you can download for free from the following link:  https://www.osd.at/downloads/

If you are a student at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires, we recommend taking advantage of the final test of our extensive or intensive courses that takes place through our virtual platform, which represents a very useful opportunity to practice before taking the ÖSD.
 

We also recommend using the exam models provided by ÖSD, which you can download for free from the following link: https://www.osd.at/downloads/ The exam models will give you a first impression of how ÖSD exams are structured. Make sure to consult the models that correspond to your German level before taking the exam.

You can take each exam or exam module as many times as you wish, completing the registration again each time and paying for the exam. In exams with two modules, the Written Exam module (Reading, Listening, Written Expression) can only be repeated in its entirety.

Yes, ÖSD exams are independent of our courses, meaning you can register for all ÖSD exams at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires even if you are not taking a German course with us.

No, the official ÖSD exams are independent of Sprachzentrum's German courses.

No, the official ÖSD exams are independent of Sprachzentrum's German courses. The ÖSD exam fees are detailed under "Current Prices."

No, the ÖSD exam is only taken in person, and at Sprachzentrum Buenos Aires the exam takes place at Bulnes 644. The institute opens its doors to registered people during exam periods.

Yes. ÖSD, like telc and Goethe, is a standardized exam and is a member of ALTE. All three exams are used to assess German language knowledge and have a common structure. Often, your choice of exam depends on your personal preferences.

Yes, since ÖSD is a certified examination organization in accordance with ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) standards, just like telc and Goethe.

Yes, since ÖSD is a certified examination organization in accordance with ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) standards, just like telc and Goethe.

Yes, since ÖSD is a certified examination organization in accordance with ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) standards. We recommend consulting with the corresponding institution about which certificates and what level you need for your procedure.

We recommend consulting with the corresponding institution. You can find detailed information at the following links:

Germany:

📋 Language requirements for living in Germany

Austria:

📋 Information about residence permits

Switzerland:

📋 Required language competencies

Whatsapp