A2

ÖSD A2 exam: format, pass mark and model test practice

The ÖSD Zertifikat A2 (ZA2) tests German for routine situations at home, at work and while travelling. The written module takes about 75 minutes, and speaking is a short test alone or in a pair.

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ÖSD A2 exam pattern

ZA2 has a written module (Lesen, Hören, Schreiben) and an oral module. Listening texts use standard German from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. You get 10 minutes to prepare before speaking.

PartTimeTasksWhat you do
Lesen (Reading)30 min2 tasksRead everyday texts for the main idea and for details
Hören (Listening)approx. 15 min3 tasksUnderstand the main point and details of everyday audio
Schreiben (Writing)30 min1 taskWrite a personal email in reply to a short text (15 points)
Sprechen (Speaking)approx. 10 min2 tasksIntroduce yourself (5 topics) and plan an activity together

Pass mark: 35 of 70 written and 10 of 20 oral

The written module is worth 70 points and the oral module 20 points. You pass a module with at least 35 written or 10 oral points, which is 50%. Pass both on the same date, or within one year at the same exam centre, to get the full certificate.

ÖSD A2 Schreiben

There is one task: a personal email in reply to a short text. Answer every point, use a greeting and a closing, and join sentences with und, aber, weil and dann.

ÖSD A2 Sprechen

Prepare to talk about yourself across five everyday topics, then practise planning something together: suggest a time and place, react to ideas and agree on a plan.

How to prepare for ÖSD A2

ÖSD publishes a free ZA2 Modellsatz with audio, answer keys and the scoring sheets. Use it to learn the format, then practise extra tasks with feedback.

ÖSD Zertifikat A2 on osd.at
  1. 1Download the official ZA2 Modellsatz and do one timed attempt
  2. 2Review perfect tense, modal verbs, dative and common prepositions
  3. 3Practise listening to Austrian, German and Swiss speakers
  4. 4Write one personal email a week and check that every point is covered
  5. 5Rehearse the self-introduction topics and a planning dialogue with a partner

ÖSD A2 exam questions

What is the pass mark for ÖSD A2?

You need at least 35 of 70 points in the written module and at least 10 of 20 points in the oral module, so 50% in each module.

How long is the ÖSD A2 exam?

The written module takes about 75 minutes: Lesen 30 minutes, Hören about 15 minutes and Schreiben 30 minutes. Speaking takes about 10 minutes, after 10 minutes of preparation.

Is the ÖSD A2 speaking test done in pairs?

It can be either. ÖSD runs the A2 speaking test as a single or a pair exam. Both take about 10 minutes.

What do I write in ÖSD A2 Schreiben?

One personal email in reply to a short stimulus text, in 30 minutes. It is marked against fixed criteria, and covering every point in the task matters most.

Where can I find an ÖSD A2 Modelltest?

ÖSD offers a free official ZA2 Modellsatz on osd.at with all tasks, the listening audio and answer keys.

Is CertiLang the official ÖSD website?

No. CertiLang is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with ÖSD. Check dates, fees and registration with your licensed ÖSD exam centre.

Practise ÖSD A2 with instant feedback

Timed Lesen, Hören, Schreiben and Sprechen tasks with feedback that shows where you lose points.

Start ÖSD A2 practice