ÖSD Zertifikat C1: the exam parts

Two modules and a one-to-one oral

The ÖSD Zertifikat C1 consists of two modules that you can take separately or together and retake as often as you like: the written exam and the oral exam. The oral here is a one-to-one exam — your conversation partner is an examiner. A monolingual dictionary is allowed.

Reading comes before writing, and there is a break of at least 15 minutes after listening.

Points and passing

The written exam gives a maximum of 70 points (reading 20, listening 20, writing 2 × 15), the oral exam 30. You pass

• written with at least 42 of 70 points — and only if every part also reaches its minimum: at least 10 each in reading and listening, at least 7 for each of the two texts and at least 15 for both together;
• oral with at least 18 of 30 points. Zero in a single criterion means a fail.

These minimums make ÖSD C1 demanding — no weakness can be fully offset anywhere.

Schreiben

90 minutes for two texts. In task 1 you write a formal reply to an institution, addressing all the notes in the margin; no word count is set. In task 2 you choose one of three topics — such as writing up a talk, a statement of opinion or a commentary — and write at least 250 words. Fall short and you lose points; under 170 words the task is failed.

Lesen, Hören, Sprechen

• Lesen: four tasks — multiple choice, matching headings, inserting sections into a text (two don't fit) and a gap-fill text in which one word is missing each time.
• Hören: two tasks worth 20 points together, for example a radio programme and a talk for which you complete notes.
• Sprechen: in task 1 you apologise on the phone and negotiate a solution. In task 2, in a work setting, you discuss which of two pictures illustrates a topic better and persuade your partner. In task 3 you give a short talk on a given topic and answer questions (approx. 10 minutes).

How to link sentences and paragraphs at this level: connectors.

What you need the certificate for

C1 is often required for university study and demanding jobs. Which certificates a university or employer recognises varies widely. Read the admission rules carefully or ask before you register.