ÖSD Zertifikat A2: the exam parts

Two modules, passed from 50 per cent

The ÖSD Zertifikat A2 consists of two modules that you can take separately or together: the written exam (reading, listening, writing, in a group) and the oral exam, in pairs or one-to-one. You may retake each module as often as you like.

A 15-minute break is possible after the listening part.

Points and passing

The written exam gives a maximum of 70 points (reading 25, listening 30, writing 15), the oral exam 20 — 90 in all. Each module is passed at 50 per cent:

• written with at least 35 of 70 points — plus at least 5 in reading, 6 in listening and 3 in writing;
• oral with at least 10 of 20 points.

Goethe and telc require 60 per cent at A2. In return, each ÖSD part has its own minimum — very weak listening cannot be offset by strong reading.

Schreiben

A single task in 30 minutes: you reply to a friend in about 50 words. Questions in the margin tell you what to cover, and the beginning of the email is already printed — you continue it and close with a sign-off. Length is part of the marking: below 40 words there are deductions, below 26 words the text cannot be marked. Task fulfilment, text type, coherence, vocabulary and accuracy count as well.

Lesen, Hören, Sprechen

• Lesen: in task 1 you match headings to texts, in task 2 you answer multiple-choice questions on a text.
• Hören: three tasks with short texts and conversations. One of them is played twice, the others once. Read the instructions carefully — in some tasks more than one answer is correct.
• Sprechen: you introduce yourself — choosing five of six topics — and answer follow-up questions. Then you solve a task together: planning something and discussing suggestions. In a one-to-one exam the examiner plays your partner.

What you need the certificate for

A2 confirms basic German for everyday life and simple work situations. Whether and for what an authority or employer requires A2 — and which certificates count — is up to that body. Check with them before you register.