TELC is the dominant German language exam provider in Germany. ÖSD — the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch — is the equivalent from Austria. Both certificates are recognised across German-speaking countries. But depending on where you live, what you need the certificate for, and where exam centres are located, one will be a better fit than the other.
Here's a clear comparison.
What Is ÖSD?
ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is the Austrian state examination system for German as a foreign language, founded in 1994. It's administered through the ÖSD Institut in Vienna and has a network of licensed exam centres in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and internationally.
ÖSD exams cover levels A1 through C2 using the CEFR framework — the same framework as TELC, Goethe, and all other recognised European language certificates.
In Austria, ÖSD is the de facto standard for immigration and citizenship purposes. In Germany and Switzerland, it's a fully accepted alternative to TELC and Goethe.
TELC vs ÖSD: Key Differences
| TELC | ÖSD | |
|---|---|---|
| Based in | Frankfurt, Germany | Vienna, Austria |
| Exam centres | Thousands across Germany | More common in Austria; present but fewer in Germany |
| Primary market | Germany (and internationally) | Austria; recognised in Germany and Switzerland |
| Price (Germany) | €100–€180 | €120–€200 (exam centre dependent) |
| Price (Austria) | Available but fewer centres | €90–€160 |
| Levels | A1–C1 | A1–C2 |
| Accepted for German citizenship | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Accepted for German permanent residence | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Accepted for Austrian citizenship | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Results turnaround | 4–8 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Certificate expiry | None | None |
Exam Structure: How Are They Different?
TELC B1 Structure
The TELC B1 (Zertifikat Deutsch) has a distinctive five-section written exam:
- Lesen (Reading) — 3 tasks, 60 minutes
- Sprachbausteine (Language Elements) — 2 gap-fill tasks focused on grammar and vocabulary
- Hören (Listening) — 3 tasks, approximately 30 minutes
- Schreiben (Writing) — 1 letter task, 30 minutes
- Sprechen (Speaking) — done separately, in groups of 2–3
The Sprachbausteine section is unique to TELC — it's a dedicated grammar and vocabulary block that doesn't appear in ÖSD or Goethe exams.
ÖSD B1 Structure
The ÖSD Zertifikat B1 also has four skills, but the task types differ:
- Lesen (Reading) — multiple task formats
- Hören (Listening) — various audio types
- Schreiben (Writing) — formal or semi-formal writing task
- Sprechen (Speaking) — individual and partner tasks
No equivalent to TELC's Sprachbausteine. Grammar and vocabulary are tested within the reading and other integrated tasks rather than in a standalone section.
Which format is more predictable?
TELC's structure is more rigid and standardised across exam sittings — the same task types appear in the same order. Candidates who have practiced specifically with the TELC format consistently find the real exam familiar. ÖSD has slightly more variation in task types, particularly in the reading section.
If you can only practice with one format, practicing TELC-specific mock exams makes the most difference for a TELC exam.
Acceptance: Germany, Austria, Switzerland
Germany
Both TELC and ÖSD are fully accepted by German authorities for:
- Citizenship (Einbürgerung) — §10 StAG
- Permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) — §9 AufenthG
- Spouse visa language requirements
- Integration course equivalency
In practice, German Ausländerbehörden see TELC more often simply because it's more common in Germany. ÖSD is equally valid, but if an officer is unfamiliar with it, bring documentation (the BAMF official recognition list is publicly available).
Austria
ÖSD is the standard. TELC is accepted but ÖSD is what Austrian authorities typically expect. If you're applying for Austrian residence or citizenship, ÖSD is the more natural choice.
Switzerland
Both are accepted. Switzerland has its own language requirements system (particularly for citizenship, which is cantonal), but both certificates are recognised at the federal level. Local requirements vary — confirm with the relevant cantonal authority.
Where to Take the Exam
TELC in Germany: Thousands of exam centres including Volkshochschulen, language schools, and dedicated TELC test providers. Search at telc.net.
ÖSD in Germany: Fewer centres than TELC, but present in major cities (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne). Search at osd.at/de/pruefungen/pruefungszentren.
ÖSD in Austria: Widely available at language schools and official ÖSD centres across all Austrian states.
If you live in southern Germany — particularly Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg — proximity to Austria means ÖSD centres may be more accessible than in the north.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose TELC if:
- You're based in Germany and want the most exam centre options
- You want a highly predictable format that's easy to prepare for specifically
- You need the most common certificate — German Behörden see TELC constantly
Choose ÖSD if:
- You're based in Austria, or southern Germany near the Austrian border
- You need the certificate for Austrian immigration or citizenship purposes
- You have access to an ÖSD centre nearby and prefer its format
Either is fine if:
- Your goal is German citizenship or residency — both are accepted
- You simply choose based on scheduling and price
Preparing for Whichever You Choose
The underlying German you need to pass B1 is identical regardless of which exam you take. What differs is the task format. For TELC specifically, practicing with realistic TELC-format mock exams — including the Sprachbausteine section — gives you a genuine edge on exam day.