ÖSD B1 Model Test: Exam Format, Scoring and How to Practise
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The ÖSD Zertifikat B1 is the same jointly developed exam as the Goethe-Zertifikat B1. According to the ÖSD, the Goethe-Institut, the University of Fribourg and the ÖSD developed it together, and it is offered worldwide under the names Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or ÖSD Zertifikat B1. It has four modules (reading, listening, writing and speaking), and each module is scored out of 100 points, with 60 points needed to pass. Be careful, though: the ÖSD also runs a different exam called ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1, which has a different format and is mainly for migrants in Austria. Practise B1 and save your progress.
At a glance
- Same exam as Goethe B1: a joint product of the Goethe-Institut, the ÖSD and the University of Fribourg, sold under two names.
- Four modules: reading (65 minutes), listening (about 40 minutes), writing (60 minutes) and speaking (about 15 minutes in pairs).
- Pass mark: at least 60 out of 100 points in a module.
- Flexible: take the modules separately, in any combination, or all together.
- Different exam to avoid mixing up: ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 has two modules and an Austria-focused format.
- Free official practice: the ÖSD offers downloadable model sets on its website.
Table of Contents
1. Is ÖSD B1 the same as Goethe B1?
For the ÖSD Zertifikat B1, yes. The ÖSD's own information says the exam was developed jointly by the Goethe-Institut, the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and the ÖSD, and is offered worldwide as either Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or ÖSD Zertifikat B1. The Goethe-Institut says the same on its side. The ÖSD's exam rules and Goethe's exam rules describe the same structure: four modules, the same timings, the same number of tasks per module, and the same 60-point pass mark.
What is the same?
- The four modules and their timings.
- The number of tasks: reading Parts 1 to 5, listening Parts 1 to 4, writing Parts 1 to 3 and speaking Parts 1 to 3.
- The scoring: up to 100 points per module and a pass at 60.
- The CEFR level, B1, which describes independent language use.
What differs?
The name on the certificate, the organisation that issues it, and the exam centres. ÖSD exams are taken at licensed ÖSD exam centres, which are independent of any course. The ÖSD also says it issues a certificate for each module you pass, and an overall certificate if you pass all modules in one sitting or within one year at the same exam centre.
Which one should you take?
Ask the organisation that will receive your certificate (a university, an employer, an immigration office) which certificates it accepts. Do not assume that both names are accepted everywhere. If both are accepted, choose the one with the exam date, location and price that suit you.
2. Two different "ÖSD B1" exams
The ÖSD offers two B1 exams, and learners often mix them up.
ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (the joint exam)
This is the exam described in this article. It has four modules, an international focus, and is offered to learners from 16 years old, with a youth version from 12.
ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1
This is a separate exam. The ÖSD says it is aimed at migrants in Austria, and its texts and situations relate to everyday life in Austria. It has two modules, a written exam and an oral exam:
- Reading and language building blocks: 90 minutes. Three reading tasks plus two tasks that test grammar and vocabulary.
- Listening: about 30 minutes, three tasks, with recordings from Austria.
- Writing: 40 minutes. You write a reply to an email, choosing a personal or semi-formal or formal situation.
- Speaking: about 15 minutes, as an individual or pair exam, with three tasks: making contact, a conversation about a topic, and planning an activity together.
The ÖSD says this exam grew out of the earlier "B1 Zertifikat Deutsch", which was developed by four institutions: the Goethe-Institut, the ÖSD, telc and the University of Fribourg. If your requirement names the Austria version, check which exam it means before you start practising.
Reading (Lesen): 65 minutes
Five tasks test global, selective and detailed understanding of different texts: blog posts, newspaper articles, ads, statements and written instructions from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. There are 30 items in total. The ÖSD's rules say you should plan about 5 minutes inside the exam time to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Listening (Hören): about 40 minutes
Four tasks test global and detailed understanding of standard-language recordings: announcements, short lectures, informal conversations and radio discussions, again from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. There are also 30 items, and about 5 minutes are allowed for transferring your answers.
Writing (Schreiben): 60 minutes
You complete three tasks, using the given instructions: an informal email, a personal opinion, and a short formal apology. Parts 1 and 2 are worth 40 points each and Part 3 is worth 20 points. You write directly on the answer sheet. The ÖSD says that if you use rough paper first, you must leave enough time to copy your text, because only the final text on the answer sheet is graded.
Speaking (Sprechen): about 15 minutes
The speaking exam is usually taken in pairs and lasts about 15 minutes. Individual exams are possible in exceptional cases and last about 10 minutes. You get 15 minutes to prepare, and you may use the brief notes you make during that time. Two examiners run the exam. A short introductory chat of about one minute is not graded.
- Part 1 (about 2 to 3 minutes): you and your partner plan something together. Both of you make suggestions and give opinions.
- Part 2 (about 3 to 4 minutes per person): you present a topic, chosen from two options. You introduce it, talk about the situation in your home country, name advantages and disadvantages, give your own opinion, and finish the presentation.
- Part 3 (about 1 to 2 minutes per person): your partner and the second examiner give feedback on your presentation and ask questions, which you answer.
Rules to know
- Dictionaries are not allowed in the exam.
- The written modules take about 165 minutes in total without breaks, and there must be a break of at least 15 minutes between modules.
- Since 1 January 2024 the exam can also be taken digitally at a licensed ÖSD exam centre. The ÖSD says the format is the same as the paper version.
4. How is ÖSD B1 scored?
- Pass mark: a module is passed with at least 60 out of 100 points (60%).
- Reading and listening: each has 30 items worth 1 point each. Each point converts to 3.33 score points, so 18 correct answers give about 60 points.
- Writing: up to 100 points: 40 for Part 1, 40 for Part 2 and 20 for Part 3. Two graders assess your text using fixed criteria.
- Speaking: up to 100 points: 28 for Part 1, 40 for Part 2, 16 for Part 3 and 16 for pronunciation. Two examiners assess you independently and then agree on one score.
- Ratings: 100 to 90 is "very good", 89 to 80 "good", 79 to 70 "satisfactory", 69 to 60 "pass", and 59 or below is a fail.
- Resits: the ÖSD says each module can be repeated as often as you like.
5. How to practise for each module
Reading
You have 65 minutes for 30 items, and about 5 of those minutes go on copying your answers. That leaves roughly 60 minutes, or about 2 minutes per item. In practice, mark an answer, move on if you are stuck, and come back at the end. Practise with mixed text types, because the real exam moves between blog posts, articles, ads and instructions.
Listening
Practise with a variety of sources, because the recordings come from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Read the questions before each recording starts, and do not leave answers blank when you are unsure: a guess costs nothing.
Writing
The points suggest how to share your time. Parts 1 and 2 are worth twice as much as Part 3, so give them roughly twice the time of the short formal apology. As a starting guide, that is about 24 minutes, 24 minutes and 12 minutes, which leaves little room for checking, so shorten your planning rather than your final check. Practise every part in the style it asks for: informal for Part 1, a clear personal opinion for Part 2, and a polite formal tone for Part 3. Writing is graded by people, so ask a teacher or study partner to check your texts against the task instructions.
Speaking
Use the exact Part 2 structure from the ÖSD's description: introduction, the situation in your home country, advantages and disadvantages, your own opinion, and a conclusion. Practise it aloud with a timer and a partner. In Part 1, remember that both people must make suggestions and give opinions, so do not just agree with everything. In Part 3, prepare a few follow-up questions you could ask your partner. Pronunciation is worth 16 of 100 points, so record yourself and listen back.
6. Where to practise ÖSD B1 online
Free official materials first
The ÖSD says its website offers free preparation materials: downloadable model sets, a digital online "Test-Training", and video examples for the speaking module. It also offers an online mock exam that you can book, followed by individual feedback. Start with these, because they come from the exam provider itself. You can find them on the ÖSD website.
Then repeat and track your progress
Once you know the format, the next step is repetition and tracking. On German Online Tests, you sign in so your results are saved and you can see which module needs the most work. A1 and A2 practice is free; B1 and above is premium. You can start B1 practice here or look at our B1 practice tests. If B1 feels too hard, check your basics with our free A1 and A2 practice tests, and when you are ready for the next level, see our B2 premium practice tests.
7. Mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up the two ÖSD B1 exams. Check whether your requirement means ÖSD Zertifikat B1 or ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1.
- Assuming every institution accepts both certificates. Ask the organisation that receives your result.
- Forgetting the answer-transfer time. Plan about 5 minutes in reading and listening, and leave time to copy your writing onto the answer sheet.
- Writing the final text on rough paper only. Only the text on the answer sheet is graded.
- Practising only reading and listening. Writing and speaking are marked by people, so you need feedback from a person.
- Ignoring pronunciation. It is worth 16 of the 100 speaking points.
- Skipping the free official materials. The ÖSD's own model sets show you the real task types.
8. Sources
German Online Tests provides practice materials for listening, speaking, reading and writing. We do not issue certificates or official language qualifications, and we are not affiliated with the ÖSD or the Goethe-Institut. Exam formats, rules and requirements change over time, so always verify current details with the official examination body or exam centre that applies to you.
