ÖSD or Goethe B1: what is the difference?
ÖSD Zertifikat B1 and Goethe-Zertifikat B1 use exactly the same exam format — they were developed jointly by ÖSD, the Goethe-Institut and eduSwiss. Same parts, same number of tasks, same duration, same modular principle.
| Criterion | ÖSD Zertifikat B1 | Goethe-Zertifikat B1 |
|---|---|---|
| Рівень | B1 | B1 |
| Country | AT / DE | DE |
| Parts | 4 | 4 |
| Objective items | 60 | 60 |
| Written duration | 165 min | 165 min |
| Speaking duration | 15 min | 15 min |
| Pass mark | 60% | 60% |
| Sections | Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen | Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen |
Which should you choose?
- ·The exam itself is identical — the difference is the issuing institute and which test centres are near you.
- ·Both are modular: you can retake a single failed module rather than the whole exam.
- ·Before booking, ask the body you'll submit the certificate to (authority, university, employer) which one they accept — that is the only criterion that matters.
- ·Preparation is the same for both: practise for one and you are ready for the other.
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.