The integration exam is official proof that a person knows enough German to communicate in everyday situations. Passing the integration exam means that the Integration Agreement has been fulfilled. Consequently, the exam certificate is required for an extension of the settlement permit.
The exam certificate can also be used as proof of German language proficiency when applying for the Austrian citizenship.
The attendance of a German course is no official requirement for taking the integration exam, what matters is having sufficient knowledge of the German language to pass the exam. However, persons with no previous knowledge of German usually need a preparatory German course comprising of 300 lessons (= 5 months with 60 lessons each) and it takes about five months to reach exam level.
Persons with some previous knowledge of German can enter at a higher course level than A1/1 (beginners) and reach exam level in less than five months. The course levels up to exam level are called: A1/1 (level 1), A1/2 (level 2), A1/3 (level 3), A2/1 (level 4), A2/2 (level 5) – this means that it is necessary to pass level A2/2 in order to sit the exam.
The integration exam itself consists of two parts, a written part for testing reading, writing and listening skills and a second part, which is a conversation with the examiner, for testing speaking skills.
Where and when can you sit the integration exam?
Our language school holds one German integration exam each month. Persons who wish to take the exam but do not attend a German course at Deutschinstitut Wien can register at our office at Rechte Wienzeile 85.
Please bring your passport when you come to register. If you are entitled to a refund from the Austrian Integration Fund (yellow voucher of the Austrian ministry of the interior), we will also need your account details.
The first attempt to pass the integration exam is free for persons who have attended a German integration course at our language institute. External participants will have to pay an exam fee - please consult our office staff for more information.
Repeating the German integration exam
Persons who have failed the integration exam at the first attempt can repeat the exam at the next available date. All exam repetitions are generally subject to charge.
For further information about the integration exam (including a sample test) please visit:
