German Courses - Level Overview
In order for your German language course to be a success, you absolutely have to participate in a group that has your level of German. Levels A1 - C2 below refer to the European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Please indicate your level together with your application, so we will have an idea of where to place you. Below you will find a course description to help you with this task.
A1 - No or very little knowledge of German
Course objective - Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Exam: ÖSD Certificate A1
A2 - Basic knowledge of German
Course objective - Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Exam: ÖSD Certificate A2
B1 - Relatively good knowledge of German
Course objective - Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Exam: ÖSD Certificate B1
B2 - Good knowledge of German
Course objective - Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Exam: ÖSD Certificate B2
C1 - Very good knowledge of German
Course objective - Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Exam: ÖSD Certificate C1
C2 - Excellent or nearly native speaker knowledge of German
Course objective - Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Exam: ÖSD Certificate C2
For more information about the different levels and/or exams kindly refer to https://www.osd.at/oesd-pruefungen/