2023-08-03 16:05:58
From discussing the subtext in a Thomas Mann novel to just being able to order a Käsekrainer in your local Würstelstand, there’s a world of difference in the levels of German attained by foreigners in Austria, and of course most people improve the longer they stay here.
But gaining citizenship requires formal qualifications, so we’ve put together some sample questions to give you an idea of the level required.
This article relates solely to your language ability – applying for citizenship has several other requirements, including having to demonstrate knowledge of Austrian culture and history via the citizenship test.
The current citizenship rules in place require German at level B1 on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
EXPLAINED: How to get Austrian citizenship or stay permanently in Austria
So what does B1 mean?
B1 on the CEFR scale is defined as being able to “understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.”
A B1 candidate “can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken” and can also “produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.”
In other words, you are not required to be able to speak perfect, error-free German, only to be able to make yourself understood and understand any replies you are given.
READ ALSO: Could Austria change the rules around citizenship?
Tests
Testing in Austria for language competency as part of a citizenship application is handled at the state level. Therefore there might be some small variation in the requirements from state to state. It is important to check with your local authority on just what certificate is recognised.
Since July 1, 2011, the Austria’s integration fund ÖIF offers a new German test for levels A2 and B1: The German Test for Austria (DTÖ). This is a German test modeled on a test from Germany that was developed by the Goethe-Institut e.V and telc GmbH and revised for Austria by telc by order of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF).
The tasks are designed for the special communication needs of immigrants and are practical and activity-oriented.
The DTÖ considers individual language learning processes and, in doing so, allows participants to demonstrate their actual language skills through the two levels A2 and B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (GER).
The nitty gritty
The DTÖ tests German skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The entire test consists of a 100 minute written section and an oral section of about 16 minutes, which can either be done alone or in pairs.
In addition to the dates offered by certified course providers, the ÖIF offers additional dates for the German Test for Austria (DTÖ) at ÖIF sites in Austria. The current test dates at ÖIF can be found here. Here you can also sign up for a test date online.
READ ALSO: Why has naturalisation in Austria doubled in 2022 – and who are the new citizens?
The new test fee for the New ÖIF Test and the DTÖ is €130.00 per attempt. If you register for a date online, you will receive a request for payment. The fee must be transferred to ÖIF’s bank account at least 10 days before the test date.
Reading (45 minutes)
The following questions come from a section of a sample test by the Goethe Institute. The text, which you can find heretalks about a project to create electricity in a village by using biogas. You need to decide which of the following options makes the statement true.
This text is about…
the new technology from Eckhard Meier? the environmentally friendly electricity production in Feldheim? a course at the University of Göttingen?
The scientists wanted to show that…
an entire village can live on modern energies? does a biogas plant produce more electricity than a village needs? you can save larger amounts of electricity?
So that the idea also works in other villages…
you need a lot of money. you need enough space for the technology. the population must be for it
Listening (25 minutes)
For this section you will have to listen to audio of people talking in German. The format of this section varies: for example, it could be a news report, an interview or a recorded discussion.
Here are some sample questions from a past B1 paper, in which you hear five short texts at the start of the audio (listen here). You have to decide which of the following statements about the texts are true.
Text 1
Ms Stein should…
bring the chip card? pay ten euros? Call back?
Text 2
Herr Thomas…
would like Mrs. Brahms to sign a new contract? needs testimonials from Mrs. Brahms? will call again later?
Text 3
There is a traffic jam on the freeway because of…
a construction site? of commuter traffic? an accident?
Text 4
Which train is cancelled? The train to…
Bern? Geneva? Lausanne?
Text 5
To be predicted…
Thunderstorm on the Elbe? Temperatures below 10 degrees? Heavy rains in the west?
READ ALSO: Reader question: Will my children get an Austrian passport if born in Austria?
Writing (30 minutes)
In the written section of the exam you are required to compose a text and are given two choices.
One example of a text could be:
You are looking for a used car. You saw an advertisement in the supermarket: Mr Brandmeyer wants to sell his car. You want more information and write an e-mail.
Write something about the following points:
A reason to write to you
Preis?
Former state?
when/where to watch?
Spoken (16 minutes)
The spoken component is divided into three parts. In the first one, you should talk about yourself for around two minutes (Name, Geburtsort, Wohnort, Arbeit/Beruf, Familien, Sprachen). In the second part, you should talk about an experience based on a picture you receive from the examiners.
In the third part, both participants receive a paper with an example of an event or meeting and should discuss details about it and arrange for the meeting to happen.
You can find the full exam paper with the correct answers (at the bottom) HERE.
And you can find sample tests of the DTÖ HERE.
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