Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD)
Holders of the Austrian German Diploma (ÖSD) show they have a sufficient knowledge of the German language to handle the most important everyday situations, both written and oral. The ÖSD takes into consideration the national varieties of the German language. In fact, ÖSD also stands for the names of the three major German-speaking countries - Österreich (Austria), Schweiz (Switzerland), and Deutschland (Germany).
Because of the international recognition of these examinations as certification of language competency and proficiency, they carry a high value for academic, employment, and career recognition and advancement. Consequently, all students enrolling in the German language and culture study program at Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen are prepared through their classes and study assignments to take these examinations. All students are expected to seriously prepare for and pass these examinations. Those students who pass the ÖSD examinations will have their success recorded on their transcripts. Any commendations earned will also be noted on the transcripts. A brief description of the ÖSD examinations and diplomas follows.
Pre-Intermediate German Diploma (Zertifikat Deutsch - ZD)
By passing the ÖSD Pre-Intermediate German Diploma examination, students have demonstrated that they have a basic knowledge of the German language, that they can express themselves in daily life situations, that they can conduct a simple conversation and understand native speakers, and that they can describe orally or in written form basic concepts of daily life.
The examination consists of the following written parts: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and essay writing. The examination also includes an oral test of language expression. A diploma is obtained when both the written and the oral exams have been passed.
Intermediate Diploma (Mittelstufe Deutsch - MD)
The ÖSD Intermediate Diploma examination is also offered on campus. By passing this examination, students have demonstrated that they are familiar with standard German, that they can understand authentic texts and passages at the intermediate level, and that they are also able to relate to more complicated topics in oral and written form.
The examination consists of the following written parts: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and essay writing. The examination also includes an oral test of language expression. A diploma is obtained when both the written and the oral exams have been passed.
Advanced Diploma (Oberstufe Deutsch–OD) (C1)
The ÖSD advanced Diploma examination is also offered on campus once a year at the end of the academic year. It consists of the following written parts: reading comprehension, listening comprehension and essay writing, all of which are situated at an advanced level. The exam also includes an oral test. A diploma is obtained when both parts have been passed. This exam allows students to study at German, Austrian or Swiss universities.
Background
For many years, the internationally recognized Goethe Institute for the Cultivation of the German Language in Foreign Countries and for the Promotion of International Cultural Cooperation had been the only officially recognized German language institute for all German speaking countries. In the year 2000, the Goethe Institute arranged with its newly established Austrian counterpart, the Austrian German Diploma (ÖSD), to give them all authority for teaching and administering examinations. This now makes the ÖSD the only recognized German language exam for all Austria. Close cooperation still exists between the two institutes, which both offer the same examinations and diplomas. Receiving the Austrian Diploma is no different than receiving the one formerly issued by the Goethe Institute. In 2001, the Bogenhofen Language School received permission to administer the examinations for ÖSD on campus, with two teachers certified as official examiners.
For more information, visit the official ÖSD website. (http://www.osd.at/)
