Which German exam certificate should you take in Austria in 2026?

For many listed first settlement titles, oesterreich.gv.at "German before immigration" rules ask for A1 from ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, telc, or ÖIF, often with an age limit on the diploma at submission. Some Red-White-Red Card work categories follow different evidence rules; read your scheme page on migration.gv.at rather than assuming every worker needs A1: Apply for a residence permit.

After arrival, the Integrationsvereinbarung (Integration Agreement) usually points Module 1 toward A2 and Module 2 toward B1. ÖIF integration courses and exams are the official track when you fall under that law. Daueraufenthalt-EU and citizenship commonly need B1-level proof through certificates BMI and ÖIF recognise. Higher levels usually satisfy a lower CEFR bar when the office accepts that brand.

ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is Austria's own pluricentric diploma system and treats Austrian standard German as equal to other standard varieties: Austrian German vs Standard German. Goethe and telc remain widely accepted when the authority names them. University German-taught programmes may ask for higher academic exams rather than a citizenship B1 paper.

Study toward the CEFR level printed on your title letter, then sit a recognised centre exam: Learn German in Austria. VHS, private schools, and ÖIF providers run prep toward the same levels. Keep all modules and result sheets; offices want full skill coverage, not a partial pass or an expired diploma when age limits apply.

Employers may accept B1 or B2 for roles even when immigration law does not require a certificate yet: German for work. Do not confuse an English-speaking Vienna job with proof for Integration Agreement or naturalisation.