Practise ÖSD Zertifikat C2.
240 minutes, four modules, pass mark 60 per cent. The first practice exam is free.
Structure and length
Proof of near-native competence, for teaching, translation or a doctorate, for example.
The ÖSD certificate comes from Austria and is recognised across the German-speaking world. Its tasks draw more often on everyday situations in Austria.
- Lesen (Reading)90 minAnswer key, instant
- Hören (Listening)40 minIn preparation here
- Schreiben (Writing)90 minMarked against the board's criteria, with a margin
- Sprechen (Speaking)20 minIn preparation here
- Total240 minPass mark 60 %
Structure by part
How the modules of ÖSD Zertifikat C2 are divided, following the board's published format. Knowing the parts means losing no exam time to the instructions.
* For these parts the board's public material states no item count; the figure follows the model test and is an approximation.
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Statements on a text | A long text, five three-option tasks. (Multiple choice) | 5 tasks |
| Teil 2Inserting sections | Put five removed sections back; two do not fit. (Inserting text parts) | 5 tasks |
| Teil 3 *Gap text | A text with ten gaps, fill in the right words. (Gap text, free entry) | 10 tasks |
| Teil 4 *Gap text with options | A text with twenty gaps, four options each. (Gap text with options) | 20 tasks |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1 *Task 1 | A longer recording, detailed understanding. (Multiple choice) | 10 tasksplayed once |
| Teil 2 *Task 2 | A recording, check statements. (True or false) | 10 tasksplayed once |
| Teil 3 *Task 3 | A recording, complete information. (Completing notes) | 10 tasksplayed once |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Reply e-mail | A polite reply e-mail taking notes into account. (Free writing) | 1 task |
| Teil 2Writing a text | One of two variants, at least 250 words. (Free writing) | 1 task |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Task 1 | Oral exam, part 1. (Oral) | – |
| Teil 2Task 2 | Oral exam, part 2. (Oral) | – |
Figures follow the board's published format. Your test centre's exam regulations are always what counts.
What happens if you do not pass
The exam is marked as a whole. Whoever fails repeats every part. Your test centre sets the fee, and it differs from place to place.
What level C2 demands
The written part takes 220 minutes in total; the longest single module is Lesen (Reading) at 90 minutes. ÖSD tests the same four skills but draws more often on everyday situations in Austria.
- Lesen (Reading)
- Read practically any kind of written text with ease, including abstract or linguistically complex specialist texts.
- Hören (Listening)
- Understand spoken language without effort, even at speed and with an unfamiliar accent.
- Schreiben (Writing)
- Write demanding texts in an appropriate style and present complex matters so that readers see the important points.
- Sprechen (Speaking)
- Express yourself effortlessly and precisely, and make finer shades of meaning clear even on complex topics.
Where C2 is usually lost
At C2 correct German is no longer enough. What is marked is whether you hit register and nuance; the same content in the wrong tone counts as not fulfilled.
As a guideline, about 1000 to 1200 lessons from zero are quoted for C2. The range is wide because prior knowledge of a related language changes the effort a lot. It serves rough planning, not as a promise.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does ÖSD Zertifikat C2 take?
- About 240 minutes in total: Lesen (Reading) 90 minutes, Hören (Listening) 40 minutes, Schreiben (Writing) 90 minutes, Sprechen (Speaking) 20 minutes. The oral part often takes place on a different date.
- How many points do you need for ÖSD Zertifikat C2?
- Normally 60 per cent. The exam is marked as a whole. Whoever fails repeats every part.
- How long does preparing for C2 take?
- As a guideline, about 1000 to 1200 lessons from zero are quoted for C2 in total. Anyone who speaks a related language needs far fewer; the range is deliberately wide.