ÖIF A2 Speaking topics and exercises

Your ÖIF A2 Speaking Exam in Detail

The ÖIF A2 Speaking Exam is an important part of the integration process in Austria. It serves to prove oral language skills at the A2 level and is a requirement for many immigrants when applying for residence permits or Austrian citizenship.

What is the ÖIF A2 Speaking Exam?

This is a standardized oral exam offered by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). Participants must demonstrate that they can communicate in simple everyday situations in German.

Who organizes this exam?

The exam is officially certified by the ÖIF and conducted only in approved test centers across Austria. The process follows a unified examination system with specially trained examiners.

Who needs this exam?

This exam is intended for immigrants living in Austria who need to fulfill legal integration requirements, such as for the Red-White-Red Card or permanent residency (Daueraufenthalt EU).

What is the goal of the exam?

The goal is to demonstrate the ability to communicate orally in everyday life. Candidates should be able to answer basic questions, talk about themselves, and respond appropriately in common situations like shopping, seeing a doctor, or talking to a landlord.

Structure and duration

The A2 Speaking Exam lasts about 10–15 minutes per candidate and is usually done in pairs. It consists of three parts:

• Introducing yourself
• Short dialogues on everyday topics
• A short discussion on a given topic (e.g., leisure, work, housing)

Difference from the ÖIF B1 Speaking Exam

Compared to the A2 level, the B1 Speaking Exam is more demanding. It requires more accurate grammar, a broader vocabulary, and greater independence. At B1 level, candidates must also present and justify opinions – something not required at A2.

Assessment and passing criteria

Two independent examiners assess the performance based on criteria such as pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and clarity. To pass, candidates must score at least 50% of the total points.

Expert tip from Olena

Olena is the founder of this platform and collaborates with German teachers and examiners from around the world. She knows from experience how important preparation is. “Many underestimate the A2 speaking exam. But you need clear structures, useful phrases, and above all, practice. That’s why we develop exercises that are closely aligned with the exam format – often in cooperation with real examiners.”

More expert opinions and user feedback

According to Austrian language trainer Thomas R., who has been running prep courses for years, small group practice is particularly helpful: “You only learn to speak by speaking – and you need to do it regularly.”

Past exam candidates also share helpful feedback. Amina from Vienna writes: “The online exercises on this platform helped me a lot. I knew exactly what to expect.”

Our recommendations for preparation

• Practice speaking regularly in real-life situations
• Prepare for common exam topics (e.g., doctor's visit, daily routine, family)
• Use targeted online exercises with examples and sample dialogues
• Speak out loud – it helps with pronunciation and memory
• Review key A2 phrases and expressions frequently

The oral exam is very manageable if you start preparing in time and train effectively. On our platform, you will find suitable exercises, topics, and examples to help you succeed in your exam.