The ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1) shows you can use German independently in everyday and working life. It was developed together with the Goethe-Institut, so it has the same four modules as the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.
ZB1 has four separate modules, and each one is scored out of 100 points. Speaking is normally a pair exam (a single exam of about 10 minutes only in exceptional cases), with 15 minutes to prepare.
| Module | Time | Parts | What you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lesen (Reading) | 65 min | 5 parts | Blog posts, newspaper articles, adverts, opinions and written instructions |
| Hören (Listening) | approx. 40 min | 4 parts | Announcements, short talks, informal conversations and radio discussions |
| Schreiben (Writing) | 60 min | 3 texts | An informal email (40 points), an opinion (40 points) and a short formal apology (20 points) |
| Sprechen (Speaking) | approx. 15 min | 3 parts | Plan something together, give a short presentation, then give feedback and answer a question |
Lesen, Hören, Schreiben and Sprechen are each worth 100 points, and you need at least 60 in a module to pass it. You can take the modules separately. Pass all four on one date, or within one year at the same exam centre, to get the full certificate.
Train all three text types: an informal email (40 points), an opinion on a forum or radio topic (40 points) and a short, polite formal message apologising or cancelling (20 points). Keep an eye on the clock; 60 minutes for three texts goes fast.
Practise planning an activity with a partner, a short structured presentation on one of two topics, and reacting to your partner's talk with feedback and a question. Pronunciation counts for 16 of the 100 points.
ÖSD publishes a free ZB1 Modellsatz with each module as a separate download, plus the scoring rules. Use it to learn the format, then practise extra tasks with feedback.
ÖSD Zertifikat B1 on osd.atEach module (Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen) is scored out of 100 points, and you need at least 60 points in a module to pass it.
The Zertifikat B1 was developed jointly by ÖSD, the Goethe-Institut and the University of Fribourg, so both use the same four-module format, timings and 60-point pass mark. The certificate you receive depends on the provider you register with.
Lesen takes 65 minutes, Hören about 40 minutes and Schreiben 60 minutes, so about 165 minutes of written work. Speaking takes about 15 minutes in a pair, after 15 minutes of preparation.
An informal email (40 points), a personal opinion (40 points) and a short formal apology (20 points), all within 60 minutes.
Yes. The modules can be taken and certified separately. If you pass all four within one year at the same exam centre, you also get the full certificate.
No. CertiLang is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with ÖSD. Check dates, fees and registration with your licensed ÖSD exam centre.
Timed Lesen, Hören, Schreiben and Sprechen tasks with feedback that shows where you lose points.
