According to BMI (Ministry of Interior) - Updated January 2026
Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch
Austrian InstitutionGoethe-Zertifikat
German InstitutionWe prepare for thisThe European Language Certificates
German InstitutionWe prepare for thisÖsterreichischer Integrationsfonds
Austrian InstitutionCertificates must NOT be older than 1 year at submission. Source: bmi.gv.at
Your visa type determines your required level (2026 regulations)
German A1 required BEFORE immigration (Deutsch vor Zuwanderung). Certificate must not be older than 1 year at submission.
A1 German certificate required to join spouse/family in Austria. Must be obtained before visa application.
A2 level required within 2 years of arrival. Needed for residence permit extension.
B1 German + citizenship test required. Must prove integration with recognized B1 certificate.
B1 level (Integration Agreement Module 2) required after 5 years for permanent residence.
No strict language requirement initially, but B1/B2 German helps with integration and PR applications.
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Austria German exam requirements - January 2026
According to BMI (Austrian Ministry of Interior), Austria officially recognizes: ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch), Goethe-Institut, TELC GmbH, and ÖIF (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds). Certificates must NOT be older than 1 year at submission. DeutschExam prepares you for TELC and Goethe formats, both fully recognized. Source: bmi.gv.at
Since 2011, Austria requires third-country nationals to prove A1 German BEFORE entering Austria for most residence permits. This applies to Red-White-Red Card Plus, Settlement Permits, and Family Reunification. You must pass an A1 exam in your home country before applying for the visa. Source: oesterreich.gv.at
For residence permits longer than 1 year, you must fulfill the Integration Agreement: Module 1 requires A2 German within 2 years, Module 2 requires B1 German for permanent residence and citizenship. Note: A language certificate alone is not sufficient - you need an integration exam testing both language AND values/social knowledge. Source: workinaustria.com
Austrian citizenship requires German B1 level plus a citizenship test covering Austrian democracy, history, and the federal state you live in. The language requirement is defined in StbG § 10a. You can fulfill this with a recognized B1 certificate (Goethe, TELC, ÖSD) or an ÖIF B1 integration exam.
Exemptions apply to: children under 14, persons with health limitations preventing language learning, certain family members of visa holders (e.g., minors), and artists with special residence permits. Check with your local MA35 (Vienna) or Bezirkshauptmannschaft for specific cases.
All three (ÖSD, TELC, Goethe) are equally recognized by Austrian authorities. ÖSD is Austrian but not more advantageous than German certificates. Choose based on: exam availability, dates, and which format you practice best with. DeutschExam covers TELC and Goethe - both are universally accepted.
We provide 100 full mock exams in TELC and Goethe format (both accepted by Austria), AI-powered feedback on every answer, handwriting recognition for writing practice, speaking practice with AI assessment, and 75+ letter templates. You practice the exact exam format you'll face, available 24/7 from anywhere.