ÖSD German B1 Preparation

ÖSD Zertifikat B1: structure and passing requirements

This preparation covers the standard adult ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1). The modular exam was developed jointly by ÖSD, the Goethe-Institut and the University of Fribourg. ZDÖ B1 and the youth ZB1/J version serve different audiences and are outside this course.

Four independent modules

ZB1 consists of four independently certifiable modules: Reading (65 minutes), Listening (about 40 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (about 15 minutes as a pair exam, plus 15 minutes preparation). Reading and Listening each contain 30 items; Writing and Speaking each have three parts.

Each B1 module is assessed separately out of 100 and is passed with at least 60 points. In Writing, the three tasks are worth 40, 40 and 20 points. In Speaking, the three parts are worth 28, 40 and 16 points, with a further 16 points for pronunciation and intonation.

How to prepare

1. Learn the task types and timing for each skill.
2. Use the official model test to become familiar with instructions, pictures and listening samples.
3. Practise emails, opinion posts and collaborative planning. Give reasons for your position and react to your partner.