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German Grading System Explained
German Grading System Explained
Whether you’re a student dreaming of studying in Germany, a parent backing your child’s
education in the country, or anyone else, really, this guide has got you covered with a
simple and straightforward look at the German grading system.
We’ll break down those grades and evaluations, so you can make smart choices and set
achievable academic targets, whether it’s getting into university or supporting your
child’s learning journey.
Germany’s primary and lower secondary education institutions use a 6-point grading
scale, spanning from 1 (excellent) to 6 (insufficient). The lowest passing grade is 4, while
grades 5 and 6 represent failing performance. This system assesses students’
performance in various subjects from grade 2 onward, as first graders usually advance
without formal grading.
While year-end report cards typically use whole numbers, certain schools may adopt
more detailed grading scales, including “1−” (equivalent to 1.25) or decimal grading
(1.0, 1.1, 1.2, etc.). Additionally, assessments often include behavior-based grades
called Kopfnoten.
Here are the grades used in primary and lower secondary schools in Germany:
When students progress to upper secondary school, known as the Oberstufe in Germany
(typically grades 11 to 12 or 13), they transition from the traditional 6-point grading
system to a 15-point grading scale.
This 15-point system assigns a score of “1+” as the highest grade, equivalent to 15
points, and “6” as the lowest, denoting 0 points. These grades ensure precise
assessment for students preparing for the vital Abitur exams, crucial for university
admissions in Germany.
Here are the points and the corresponding school grades used in upper
secondary education levels in Germany:
Given below are marks in the German grading system and their translation in
terms of your academic achievement:
German
Academic Achievement
Grade
Gut (Good).
The performance is well above average, reflecting a strong grasp of the
1.6 to 2.5
subject matter.
Befriedigend (Satisfactory).
The performance is at an average level, indicating a reasonable
2.6 to 3.5
understanding of the material.
Ausreichend (Sufficient).
You have reached the minimum score to pass the exam in spite of
3.6 to 4.0
deficiencies.
Some German universities or departments use a grading system with intervals of three
decimals. In this system, grades are limited to values like 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, 2.3, and so
forth.
German higher education institutions utilize a distinctive grading scale for law
programs, ranging from 0 to 18 points. Within this scale, achieving 16-18 points
signifies the highest grade, indicating an outstanding performance.
Conversely, students who score 1-3 points (Mangelhaft – Deficient) exhibit notable
weaknesses, while a grade of 0 points (Ungenügend – Inadequate) reflects the lowest
and subpar overall performance.
This meticulous grading system allows for precise assessment in German law programs.
16-18
Sehr gut (Very good) – particularly outstanding
points
13-15
Gut (Good) – well above average
points
Unlike undergraduate and master’s programs, where grades are common, doctoral
degrees often involve more qualitative assessments of research and dissertation work.
It’s important to note that the numerical value threshold for these grades can vary
depending on how rigorous a particular university’s evaluation process is. Additionally,
the highest grade, Summa cum laude, is typically awarded in exceptional cases,
highlighting the exceptional quality required to achieve it.
German Grades Compared to UK and US Grades
To secure a spot at a German university, your grades from your prior education will carry
substantial weight. However, because the German grading system can vary significantly
from the grading system used in your home country, it’s essential to convert your grades
to the German system. This conversion is necessary for the university’s admission board
to determine whether you meet their specific entry criteria.
To give you a general idea of what your current grades translate into the German grading
system, we’ve created a useful conversion table.
Here’s a conversion chart for the German academic 5-point grade scale to US
grades and GPA:
1.0 A+
1.0 A 4.0
Sehr gut (Very good)
1.3 A- 3.7
1.7 B+ 3.3
2.0 B 3.0
2.7 C+ 2.3
3.0 C 2.0
Befriedigend
3.3 C- 1.7
(Satisfactory)
3.7 D+ 1.3
Nicht ausreichend
5.0 F 0.0
(Insufficient)
German
Description UK Equivalent
Grade
1.0 First-class
Sehr gut (Very good)
1.3 First class
Passed without
4.0 Ausreichend (Sufficient)
honours/unclassified
Nicht ausreichend
5.0 Fail
(Insufficient)
Please note that the conversion charts are for reference purposes and may not apply
universally. Different institutions may have their own grading scales and conversion
methods for evaluating grades from various systems.
B (Very Good)
C (Good)
D (Satisfactory)
E (Sufficient)
F (Fail)
Transcript of Records. When students complete a course, their grades are recorded
alongside the number of ECTS credits for that course in a “Transcript of Records.” This
document offers a transparent summary of their academic achievements.
Important Note. While ECTS simplifies the assessment of academic credits, it’s not
intended to replace the grading system used at the German university where you plan to
enroll. It complements the local grading system and enhances the mobility of students
within the EU.
The table below shows grades in German higher education and their
equivalents in the ECTS system: