31. July 2024
Interview: ÖSD-Exam procedure in Angamaly, Indien
In June 2024, the ÖSD centre in Angamaly, India, conducted German exams at levels B1…
Proficiency in the German language is a key factor in being able to work successfully in Germany. Applicants are expected to have not only subject-specific knowledge, but also the language skills to communicate confidently with colleagues, superiors and customers.
For professions with a high level of customer contact, such as retail, healthcare or administration, at least solid language skills at B1 or B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are required. In academic or specialised professions, C1 or C2 proof may also be required.
In addition to the ÖSD, there are several recognised German exams such as Goethe and telc, which are particularly important in a professional context. The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is an international provider of German certificates that are recognised by employers and institutions not only in Austria, but also in Germany.
The ÖSD exams are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and cover levels A1 to C2.
The ÖSD can be a particularly important option for people who live and work in different German-speaking countries, i.e. Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The diversity of the German language is recognised and covered in the practical ÖSD exams.
Some professions require specific German language skills that go beyond general language skills.
For example, the ÖSD Certificate B2 / Nursing and Medical Professions (ZB2 / PMB) is aimed at healthcare professionals who wish to work in Germany. This exam specifically assesses the language skills required for everyday working life in the care and medical sector.
Important aspects:
In other sectors, for example, trades and technical professions generally require a language level of B1 or B2, depending on the specific occupational field. The ÖSD B1 and B2 certificates are practice-orientated exams that test language skills in everyday private and professional life.
In certain academic professions (engineers, teachers, scientists) , on the other hand, a language level of C1 or C2 is required, especially where a high level of complex professional and academic interaction is required.
Choosing the right German exam depends heavily on your professional field and the requirements of your employer or professional organisation. Here are some steps to help you decide:
Preparing for a German exam for the workplace requires targeted practice and a practice-orientated approach. Here are some tips:
Attend a language course: Language courses, especially flexible ones focussing on job-related topics, are a good way to prepare yourself.
Use specialised teaching materials: There are many books and online resources that focus on job-specific German.
Practise with the ÖSD materials: practice materials tailored to your language level, model sentences, digital test training and online mock exams help you to deal with typical everyday and professional situations in German and test your language skills.
The ÖSD German exams are therefore a high-quality and internationally recognised way of proving your German language skills for the German job market.
Workers – whether in the technical, medical or academic field – can prove their language skills quickly and gain a decisive advantage. The practical content and broad recognition make the ÖSD the right choice for entering the German labour market.
Start the digital ÖSD placement test and get a reliable assessment of your language skills: