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)