ÖSD

ÖSD, short for Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (Austrian Language Diploma German), is a state-recognized examination system for German as a foreign and second language. It was initiated in 1992 by a working group of ÖDaF (Österreichischer Deutsch als Fremdsprache-Verband) led by Dr. Robert Saxer at the University of Klagenfurt, and has since developed into an internationally recognized certification body. The acronym ÖSD also stands for the three German-speaking countries it represents: Österreich (Austria), Schweiz (Switzerland), and Deutschland (Germany), reflecting a pluricentric approach to the German language. The ÖSD offers exams at all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 to C2. Its portfolio includes general language certificates such as ÖSD Zertifikat A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, as well as specialized exams like ÖSD KID A1 and A2 for children and young people, ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 for immigrants aged 16 and over, and business-related exams such as PMB (Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch) at B2 and C1 levels. The exams are designed to assess communicative competence in everyday, academic, and professional contexts. ÖSD exams are internationally recognized as proof of German language proficiency. They are aligned with the CEFR level descriptions and Profile deutsch, and they incorporate the standard varieties of German from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany as equal. Listening and reading texts are drawn from all three countries. The organization operates through a network of licensed examination centers worldwide, and it provides support for centers, participants, and examiners. Its headquarters are in Vienna, Austria. As a state-recognized examination system, ÖSD plays a significant role in certifying German language skills for migration, education, and employment purposes, particularly in Austria. It is also committed to sustainability, as indicated by its "Green ÖSD" initiative mentioned on its website.

The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) was initiated in 1992 by a working group of ÖDaF (Österreichischer Deutsch als Fremdsprache-Verband) under the leadership of Dr. Robert Saxer at the University of Klagenfurt. The first preliminary work began in that year, and in 1994 the ÖSD was formally established with initial financial support. Since then, it has grown into a state-recognized examination system for German as a foreign and second language. The organization developed its exams based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and Profile deutsch, ensuring alignment with international standards. It adopted a pluricentric approach, treating the standard varieties of German in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany as equal. This is reflected in the exam materials, which draw listening and reading texts from all three countries. Over the years, ÖSD has expanded its exam portfolio to cover all CEFR levels from A1 to C2, including specialized exams for children (ÖSD KID A1, A2), for immigrants (ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1), and for business German (PMB B2, C1). It has established a worldwide network of licensed examination centers and is recognized internationally as a provider of German language certification. The organization continues to operate from Vienna, Austria, and has recently emphasized sustainability through its "Green ÖSD" initiative.

• 1994

  ÖSD formally established with initial financial support.

• 1992

  First preliminary work on ÖSD initiated by ÖDaF working group led by Dr. Robert Saxer at University of Klagenfurt.

State-recognized, internationally recognized examination system for German as a foreign and second language, emphasizing the pluricentric nature of German across Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.

• ÖSD Zertifikat A1

  Exam for elementary communication in simple everyday situations.

• ÖSD KID A1

  Exam assessing elementary language competence of children and young people in private, school, and semi-public situations.

• ÖSD Zertifikat A2

  Exam for elementary communication in simple routine situations of everyday and professional life.

• ÖSD KID A2

  Exam assessing language competence of children and young people in simple routine everyday situations.

• ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1

  Exam for immigrants aged 16 and over, testing independent language use in everyday and professional situations.

• ÖSD Zertifikat B1

  Exam testing independent language use in everyday and professional situations.

• ÖSD Zertifikat B2

  Exam at B2 level of CEFR.

• ÖSD Zertifikat C1

  Exam at C1 level of CEFR.

• ÖSD Zertifikat C2

  Exam at C2 level of CEFR.

• ÖSD Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch (PMB) B2

  Business German exam at B2 level.

• ÖSD Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch (PMB) C1

  Business German exam at C1 level.

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