The Integrationsprüfung A2 is not one test, it is two tests taken together: an everyday German language exam and a separate Werte- und Orientierungswissen exam on Austrian values. Both fulfil Modul 1 of the Integrationsvereinbarung, and both must be passed on their own, so a study plan that only focuses on German grammar leaves a real gap. This guide breaks down what to study and in what order, grounded in the exam’s own published format.
What does the Integrationsprüfung A2 actually test?
Four German skills plus a separate values test, each scored independently. The language part covers Lesen (reading, 20 questions, 40 minutes), Hören (listening, 15 questions, about 12 minutes, with each clip played twice), Schreiben (one letter or email in 25 minutes) and Sprechen (about 10 minutes). The Werte- und Orientierungswissen part is a standalone 18-question test worth 45 points in 40 minutes. Both halves are set and certified by the Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF).
How should study time be split between language and values?
Roughly evenly, since neither part can cover for the other. Reading and listening together need at least 25 of 50 points, writing needs at least 10 of 20, speaking needs at least 15 of 30, and the values part needs at least 25 of 45. A candidate who is confident in everyday German but has not touched the seven value areas can still fail the exam overall. Block out separate sessions for values study from week one, rather than leaving it for the days before the test.
How should you prepare for Lesen and Hören?
Study by everyday theme, since that is how the real tasks are built. Reading and listening material is grounded in situations you would actually meet living in Austria: a notice from a landlord, a short email from a colleague, a voicemail from a neighbour arranging to meet. The recurring themes are Persönliche Angaben, Alltag & Familie, Einkaufen & Dienstleistungen, Arbeit & Bildung, Wohnen & Umgebung, Gesundheit, Freizeit & Reisen and Ämter & Behörden. Working through each theme in turn, rather than a general grammar textbook, matches what Lesen and Hören actually ask.
How should you prepare for Schreiben and Sprechen?
Practise the structure until it needs no thought under time pressure. Schreiben gives 25 minutes for one letter or email, so rehearsing the standard shape, greeting, reason for writing, the points the task asks for, and a closing, saves time on exam day. Sprechen runs about 10 minutes and is a production skill: reading about it is not enough. Practise out loud, ideally with a study partner or by recording yourself and comparing against model answers, so the words are ready when the timer starts.
What should you study for the Werte- und Orientierungswissen part?
All seven official value areas, since each contributes questions. The 18 questions split into nine two-option items worth 2 points each and nine three-option items worth 3 points each, for 45 points total. The seven areas are orientation about Austria, language and education, work and the economy, health, housing and neighbourhood, principles of living together, and diversity in living together. Because at least one question is drawn from every area, skipping one to focus on the others risks losing points you cannot make up elsewhere in the same part.
How do you know if your preparation is on track?
Test each part against its own pass mark, not a combined score. Run full timed sessions and check the result separately: 25 of 50 for reading and listening, 10 of 20 for writing, 15 of 30 for speaking, and 25 of 45 for values. If one part consistently falls short while the others clear their marks, that tells you exactly where the remaining study time belongs instead of spreading effort evenly across everything.
When should you book the exam?
Once every part clears its own pass mark on a full timed run, and well before your two-year deadline. Modul 1 of the Integrationsvereinbarung must normally be fulfilled within 2 years of your residence permit being issued, and missing that window can bring a penalty of up to 500 euros. Booking with margin before the deadline, rather than at the last moment, leaves room for a retake if one part needs another attempt.
Practising with material organised the same way the exam is structured, by everyday theme for the language part and by the seven value areas for Werte- und Orientierungswissen, makes it easier to see which half of the exam still needs work. A full mock that scores each part on its own, exactly like the real Integrationsprüfung A2, is the clearest signal of whether you are ready to book.