Learn German for Austria
Austria runs almost everything in German: residence permits, the Integration Agreement, and most university degrees. Your German certificate (ÖSD, Goethe, telc, or the ÖIF Integration Exam) is the document that unlocks study, work, and settlement. Practice for every level and format on SagaDeutsch with free mock exams calibrated to your target certificate.
Last verified June 2026. Verify certificate recognition and pathways at the official source linked beside each item.
These pathways and exam centers were last verified 2026-06. Rules change. Always confirm at the official source linked beside each item before applying.
Why German
Why future Austrians learn German
Low-cost study in German and English
Public universities charge EU/EEA students no tuition within the minimum study duration plus two semesters; non-EU students pay about EUR 751.92 per semester, well below typical English-speaking destinations. All students pay a small ÖH student-union and insurance fee of EUR 25.20 per semester. German-taught programmes need a B2 to C1 certificate, which you can warm up for on SagaDeutsch before sitting the real test.
Source: studyinaustria.at
One German certificate, recognized across the DACH region
Austria accepts the same exam families as Germany and Switzerland: ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, telc, and the ÖIF Integration Exam. A certificate you earn for Austria generally transfers if your plans shift to Germany, since both anchor recognition to the Common European Framework (CEFR) levels A1 to C2.
Source: oesterreich.gv.at
A clear ladder to permanent residence and citizenship
Austria's Integration Agreement turns German into a measurable path: Module 1 (A2) is a condition for several residence permits, and Module 2 (B1) is required before you can apply for a long-term-EU residence permit or Austrian citizenship. Each CEFR step you pass moves you further up the ladder.
Source: migration.gv.at
Accepted certificates
German certificates recognized in Austria
ÖSD Zertifikat (incl. ZDÖ B1) and ÖSD KID
Austria's own diploma, developed for the German used in Austria. Recognized for the German-before-immigration requirement, residence permits, study admission, and the Integration Agreement. ÖSD B2/Pflege targets healthcare roles.
Source: ÖSD
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 to C2
Accepted by Austrian authorities as proof of German for residence and settlement permits and for university admission to German-taught programmes.
Source: oesterreich.gv.at
telc Deutsch A1 to C2
telc GmbH is a named issuer of recognized German language diplomas for Austrian residence permits, alongside ÖSD and Goethe.
Source: oesterreich.gv.at
ÖIF Integration Exam (Integrationsprüfung)
Run by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). The A2 exam fulfils Integration Agreement Module 1; the B1 exam fulfils Module 2, required for a long-term-EU permit and for citizenship. It combines language with questions on Austria's values and legal order.
Source: migration.gv.at
Pathways
German exam requirements for future Austrian workers and students
Study at an Austrian university
German-taught degree programmes require a B2 to C1 certificate (ÖSD, Goethe, telc). Non-EU students pay about EUR 751.92 per semester; EU/EEA students study tuition-free within the standard duration. English-taught programmes exist, mainly at master's level.
Red-White-Red Card (skilled workers)
A points-based permit (55 of 90 points needed) for third-country skilled workers with a job offer in a shortage occupation. German earns 5, 10, or 15 of those points at A1, A2, or B1, so a stronger certificate directly improves your application.
German before immigration (A1)
For most settlement permits and the Red-White-Red Card plus, you must prove A1 German before you enter Austria, using an ÖSD, Goethe, telc, or ÖIF certificate no more than one year old.
Family reunification
Family members joining a resident in Austria generally must demonstrate A1 German before the residence permit is issued. Higher levels then count toward the Integration Agreement after arrival.
Integration Agreement (residence)
After settling, you complete Module 1 (A2) within two years as a condition for several permits, then Module 2 (B1) to unlock a long-term-EU residence permit. Each module pairs a CEFR language level with Austrian values content.
Austrian citizenship
Naturalization requires fulfilment of Integration Agreement Module 2 (B1 German plus knowledge of Austria's democratic order), alongside the residence and other legal conditions.
The journey
Your path to Austria
- 1
Choose your target level
A1 to enter for settlement or family routes, A2 then B1 for the Integration Agreement, and B2 to C1 for German-taught university study. Use SagaDeutsch's free mock exams to gauge your level before booking the real test.
- 2
Prepare and practice
Build exam-format fluency with full-length SagaDeutsch mock exams that mirror the timing and section structure of ÖSD and Goethe tests, then close gaps with the Sample Writing and listening libraries.
- 3
Pass a recognized exam
Sit an ÖSD, Goethe, telc, or ÖIF exam at the level your pathway needs. Austria accepts all four issuers, and the certificate must be no more than one year old when you submit it for a permit.
- 4
Apply to a university or secure a job offer
University applicants apply to the institution with academic documents and a B2 to C1 certificate; non-EU students budget about EUR 751.92 per semester. Skilled workers secure a job offer in a shortage occupation and assemble their Red-White-Red Card points.
- 5
Prove German before immigration and apply for your permit
For settlement and family permits, submit your A1 certificate and apply for the residence permit or visa D at the Austrian representation abroad or the competent residence authority.
- 6
Enter Austria, register, and start Module 1
After arrival, register your residence and begin the Integration Agreement. Module 1 (A2) must be fulfilled within two years and is a condition for keeping several permit types.
- 7
Reach B1 for long-term residence or citizenship
Complete Module 2 (B1) to apply for a long-term-EU residence permit, and, with the further legal conditions met, for Austrian citizenship.
Budget
Estimated costs
Scroll horizontally to see all columns
| Item | Local | EUR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
ÖSD or Goethe exam fee Fees are set per exam centre and vary by level. Confirm on the centre's exam page. Source: osd.at | Paid in EUR | Set by each centre | Fees are set per exam centre and vary by level. Confirm on the centre's exam page. Source: osd.at |
University tuition (non-EU/EEA students) Standard public-university fee for third-country students. Source: Study in Austria tuition fees | Paid in EUR | EUR 751.92 per semester | Standard public-university fee for third-country students. Source: Study in Austria tuition fees |
University tuition (EU/EEA students) No tuition within the minimum study duration plus two semesters; EUR 363.36 per semester after that. Source: Study in Austria | Paid in EUR | EUR 0 within standard duration | No tuition within the minimum study duration plus two semesters; EUR 363.36 per semester after that. Source: Study in Austria |
ÖH student union and insurance fee Compulsory for all students each semester. Source: Study in Austria | Paid in EUR | EUR 25.20 per semester | Compulsory for all students each semester. Source: Study in Austria |
Source: Study in Austria
Opportunities
Career prospects for future Austrians in Austria
Healthcare and nursing
Hospitals and care homes recruit internationally, with the ÖSD B2/Pflege exam built for the sector; professional recognition and patient-facing roles expect strong German. The B2 letter formats appear in the SagaDeutsch Sample Writing library if you want to practise before the exam.
Tourism and hospitality
Austria's alpine and city tourism sustains year-round demand in hotels, restaurants, and resorts; conversational German from A2 upward opens most front-line and supervisory roles.
Skilled trades and construction
Construction, electrical, and metalworking trades feature on Austria's shortage-occupation lists, making them strong fits for the Red-White-Red Card where B1 German adds valuable points.
IT and engineering
Vienna, Graz, and Linz host a growing tech and engineering base; many roles work in English, while B1 to B2 German widens permanent and client-facing options.
Academia and research
Austrian universities and institutes offer doctoral and postdoctoral positions; German strengthens teaching and administrative roles even where research runs in English.
Testing locations
Exam centers in Austria
ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)
Hörlgasse 12, 1090 Vienna
Vienna
Head office in Vienna; ÖSD exams from A1 to C2 are administered through a network of licensed exam centres across Austria and worldwide. After your course, full-length SagaDeutsch mock exams help cement timing and section structure. Find the nearest centre and dates on the ÖSD exam-centre finder.
The platform
How SagaDeutsch helps future Austrian learners
Mock exams for Goethe and telc
Full-length practice tests for A1 through C1, mirroring real exam timing and section structure.
Learn moreSample Writing library for Schreiben
Real letter and discussion-post tasks with sample answers across personal, semi-formal, formal, and discussion-post registers.
Learn moreListening practice with native German voices
AI-synthesised passages calibrated by CEFR level so your ears get used to Hoerverstehen pace before the exam.
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- Browse all pathways and exam info
- Sample writing previews
- Pick one CEFR level (A1 to C2)
- 1 mock exam on your chosen level
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Everything you need to pass
48h, 2 week, monthly, or lifetime access. Pick the level you're sitting.
- Unlimited mock exams
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- Full Sample Writing library with model answers
- Listening practice with native German voices
- Detailed section-by-section scoring
Keep reading
Study, work, and life in Austria
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FAQ
Common questions from future Austrian learners
Which German certificates does Austria recognize?
Austria accepts language diplomas from ÖSD, the Goethe-Institut, telc, and the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), all mapped to CEFR levels A1 to C2. For a residence permit the certificate must be no more than one year old when you submit it. SagaDeutsch offers free Goethe-format mock exams from A1 through C1 so you can gauge your level before booking.
Source: oesterreich.gv.at
What German level does the Integration Agreement require?
Module 1 corresponds to A2 and must be fulfilled within two years for several residence permits. Module 2 corresponds to B1 and is required before you can apply for a long-term-EU residence permit or Austrian citizenship. Both pair a language level with knowledge of Austria's values and legal order.
Source: migration.gv.at
Do I need German before moving to Austria?
For most settlement permits, the Red-White-Red Card plus, and family reunification, yes: you must prove A1 German before entry with an ÖSD, Goethe, telc, or ÖIF certificate that is less than one year old. Some categories and minors are exempt.
Source: oesterreich.gv.at
What German level do I need for an Austrian university?
German-taught degree programmes generally require a B2 to C1 certificate, such as ÖSD, Goethe, or telc at the level the university specifies. Some master's programmes are taught in English. Confirm the exact requirement with your chosen institution.
Source: Study in Austria
How much does university cost in Austria?
EU/EEA students pay no tuition at public universities within the minimum study duration plus two semesters. Non-EU students pay about EUR 751.92 per semester. All students also pay a compulsory ÖH student-union and insurance fee of EUR 25.20 per semester.
Source: Study in Austria
What is the Red-White-Red Card and does German help?
It is a points-based residence and work permit for third-country skilled workers, requiring 55 of 90 points and a job offer in a shortage occupation. German language counts directly: 5 points at A1, 10 at A2, and 15 at B1, so a higher certificate can be the difference that clears the threshold.
Source: migration.gv.at
What German level is needed for Austrian citizenship?
Naturalization requires fulfilment of Integration Agreement Module 2, which corresponds to B1 German plus knowledge of Austria's democratic order, alongside the residence period and other legal conditions.
Source: migration.gv.at