ÖSD B2 exam: format, points and pass mark
Redaktion · 7 October 2026 · 4 min read
Photo: Haeferl, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT, Wikimedia Commons
In short
The ÖSD Zertifikat B2 has two modules that pass separately: the written exam with 70 points (passed with 42) and the oral exam with 30 points (passed with 18). In the written exam you also need at least 7 of 20 points in reading and in listening; below that the whole written exam is failed.
What is the ÖSD B2 exam format?
ÖSD (Austrian German Language Diploma) splits the exam into two modules: the written exam with reading, listening and writing, and the oral exam (speaking). Each is marked and passed separately. Since 1 January 2024 the exam can also be taken digitally at licensed centres.
| Part | What you do | Tasks | Points | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lesen 1 | long newspaper text, questions with three options | 5 | 5 | reading in total: 90 min |
| Lesen 2 | match headings | 5 | 5 | |
| Lesen 3 | text with its right edge cut off: complete the word endings | 20 | 5 | |
| Lesen 4 | gap text, one word per gap | 10 | 5 | |
| Hören 1 | radio programme, true or false | 10 | 10 | listening in total: about 30 min |
| Hören 2 | conversation, complete a table | 10 | 10 | |
| Schreiben 1 | complaint email, about 120 words | 1 text | 15 | writing in total: 90 min |
| Schreiben 2 | opinion text, one of two versions, about 120 words | 1 text | 15 | |
| Sprechen | get to know and advise someone, describe a picture, exchange opinions | 3 | 30 | about 15 min alone, about 20 min in pairs, plus 15 min preparation |
The written exam takes about 210 minutes without a break. That is much longer than Goethe or telc, so pace yourself.
What is the ÖSD B2 pass mark?
| Module | Maximum | Pass from | sehr gut (very good) | gut (good) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 70 | 42 (60 percent) | 62 to 70 | 53 to 61 |
| Oral exam | 30 | 18 (60 percent) | 27 to 30 | 23 to 26 |
| Total | 100 | 60 | 88 to 100 | 75 to 87 |
Why are 20 gaps worth only 5 points?
Reading does not give one point per task. ÖSD converts each task with its own table. In reading part 3, 20 gaps become at most 5 points: 18 to 20 correct give 5, 15 to 17 give 4, 11 to 14 give 3. In part 4, 10 gaps become 5 points. Parts 1 and 2, on the other hand, give one point per task. Saving time on part 3 costs little; guessing in parts 1 and 2 costs a lot.
How does the speaking exam work?
You get 15 minutes' preparation. Then you speak alone (about 15 minutes) or in a pair (about 20 minutes) in three tasks: getting to know and advising someone, describing and interpreting a picture, and exchanging opinions. Two examiners mark independently.
Can I retake one module on its own?
Yes. Under the implementation rules each module can be taken or retaken as often as you like. If you only failed the oral exam, you register for that alone. Whether a certificate for a single module is enough is decided by whoever asks for it.
How to prepare
- Split the 90 reading minutes: about 25 for the long text, 15 for the headings, 25 for part 3, 20 for part 4, 5 in reserve.
- Practise listening part 2: you fill in a table while the conversation runs. Read the table carefully first.
- Write two texts of about 120 words each in 90 minutes, a complaint and an opinion.
- Practise describing and interpreting a picture, out loud and with a timer.
You can practise every part under real timing in the ÖSD Zertifikat B2 practice set. For the comparison with Goethe, see Goethe B2 exam: pass mark and format.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for ÖSD B2?
At least 42 of 70 written points and at least 18 of 30 oral points, plus at least 7 of 20 points in both reading and listening.
How long is the ÖSD B2 exam?
The written exam takes about 210 minutes without a break: reading 90, listening about 30, writing 90. Speaking takes about 15 minutes alone or 20 in pairs, after 15 minutes' preparation.
Can I retake only the ÖSD B2 speaking exam?
Yes. Each module can be retaken separately and as often as you like.
How many words do you write in ÖSD B2?
Two texts of about 120 words each: a complaint email and an opinion text.
Can I take ÖSD B2 on a computer?
Yes, since 1 January 2024 at licensed ÖSD centres, under the same rules as the paper exam.
Sources
- ÖSD: Durchführungsbestimmungen ÖSD Zertifikat B2, October 2023 (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
- ÖSD: ZB2 sample test, written exam with answers (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
- ÖSD: ZB2 sample test, oral exam (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
