Prüfungsstruktur (Test Structure)
The SDS tests 4 skills in one session. The test is adaptive: it starts at a lower level and gets harder if you answer correctly. Mistakes early on can cap your maximum achievable level.
| Skill | Format | Duration (approx.) | Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | On-screen tasks (drag & drop, MC, true/false) | ~30 min | pre-A1 → B2 |
| Listening | Audio with on-screen tasks | ~30 min | pre-A1 → B2 |
| Writing | On-screen typing (tablet keyboard) | ~30 min | pre-A1 → B2 |
| Speaking | Live interview (phone/video call) | ~10–15 min | pre-A1 → B2 |
Adaptives Scoring — so funktioniert es (Adaptive Scoring — How It Works)
Start (easy) → Correct → Harder question → Correct → Even harder → ...
↓ ↓
Wrong → Easier question Wrong → Level is capped
Critical implication: Take the first questions seriously. Early mistakes limit how high you can score.
Aufgabentypen nach Niveau (Task Types by Level)
Pre-A1 / A1 (Grundstufe / Basic)
- Match words to pictures
- Listen and tap matching pictures
- Fill in missing letters
- Copy details into forms
A2 (Grundkenntnisse / Elementary)
- True/false on short texts (job ads, notices)
- Multiple choice with 2 options
- Write simple emails (appointment, cancellation)
- Listen to short dialogues, choose correct picture
B1 (Mittelstufe / Intermediate)
- Match titles to texts
- Multiple choice with 2–3 options
- Write inquiry/request emails
- Listen to interviews, assign statements to speakers
- Speaking: describe processes, answer follow-up questions
B2 (Gehobene Mittelstufe / Upper Intermediate)
- Multiple choice with 3 options
- Complex reading (news, reports)
- Write opinion text with pro/contra (~200 words)
- Listen to surveys, evaluate attitudes
- Speaking: structured argumentation (pro/contra + conclusion)
Prüfungssituation (Test Environment)
- Device: Tablet or computer with touch keyboard
- Typing: Practice typing longer texts on a touch keyboard — multiple test-takers report this as a bottleneck
- Speaking: You receive a call during the test; the interviewer may ask follow-up questions
- Language: Speaking can be in Hochdeutsch or Mundart (Swiss German)