Which German exam do you need in Austria? ÖIF or ÖSD
In Austria two names come up above all: ÖIF (Austrian Integration Fund) and ÖSD (Austrian Language Diploma). Both are recognised, but they serve different purposes — the practical difference is context, not difficulty.
| Criterion | German Test for Austria (DTÖ) B1 | ÖSD Zertifikat B1 | ÖIF Integrationsprüfung B2 | ÖSD Zertifikat B2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level | B1 | B1 | B2 | B2 |
| Country | AT | AT / DE | AT | AT / DE |
| Parts | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Objective items | 45 | 60 | 60 | 50 |
| Written duration | 100 min | 165 min | 155 min | 180 min |
| Speaking duration | 16 min | 15 min | 16 min | 20 min |
| Pass mark | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Sections | Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen | Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen | Lesen + Sprachbausteine, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen | Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen |
Which should you choose?
- ·ÖIF is tied directly to residence and integration procedures; exams like DTÖ B1 and the Integrationsprüfung B2 are built for that.
- ·The ÖIF integration exams at B1 and B2 include Werte- und Orientierungswissen (values and orientation) alongside the language part.
- ·ÖSD is a general, internationally recognised language certificate — better suited to study, work and use outside Austria.
- ·Official requirements change. Always check with the responsible authority (MA 35 or the district office) exactly which certificate and level is required before booking.
This page explains exam structure and is not legal or official advice. Requirements for residence, citizenship or recognition must be checked with the responsible authority — they change.
Try both exams before you decide
On Bestehn you can generate a full mock exam for each, with exactly the structure above — so you can see which suits you before paying an exam fee.