Understanding the German Grading System: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the academic landscape of a new country can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding its grading system. Germany, renowned for its high-quality education and research opportunities, employs a unique grading system that may differ significantly from those used in other parts of the world. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the German grading system, its nuances, and how it compares to other international grading standards.

Introduction to European Grading Systems

Europe is a popular destination for students seeking a diverse and enriching educational experience. Student mobility is encouraged; however, each country has its grading system to measure student performance, which can be confusing. European grading scales are expressed in letters (from A to E-F) or numbers (most commonly either from 1 to 5 or 1 to 10). Each grade basically stands for a level of performance from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Failure’, with some variations depending on the country.

The German Grading System: An Overview

The school grading system in Germany is used to evaluate students’ performance from primary school up through secondary school. The German grading system is based on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, where 1.0 is the highest and 5.0 is a failing grade. This system is used across different levels of education in Germany, although there can be slight variations between institutions or regions.

Primary and Lower Secondary School

In primary and lower secondary schools in Germany, students receive grades based on a 6-point grading scale ranging from 1 (excellent, sehr gut) to 6 (insufficient, ungenügend). Grades students get in their report cards at the end of the school year are usually whole numbers. However, some schools use more detailed grading scales, such as including minuses and pluses (e.g. 1-, 1+, etc.) or decimal grading (e.g.

To calculate averages of suffixed grades, they are assigned fractional values, where 1 is 1.0, 1− is 1.3, 2+ is 1.7, 2 is 2.0, 2− is 2.3 and so on. As schools are governed by the states, not by the federal government, there are slight differences. Often a more granular scale of "1−" (equal to 1.25), "1-2" (= 1.5), "2+" (= 1.75), etc.

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Upper Secondary School (Oberstufe)

When students in Germany progress to upper secondary school (known in German as Oberstufe), they undergo a qualification phase for the Abitur exam in grades 11 and 12 or 12 and 13 (depending on the school system). In the final classes of Gymnasium schools (11th to 12th/13th grade) the grades are converted to numbers ("points"), where "1+" equals 15 points and "6" equals 0 points. In the 15-point system, a 1+ grade equals 15 points (highest) and the 6 grade is 0 points (lowest).

University Grading

The majority of universities in Germany use a 5-point grading system to assess students’ academic performance. In some rarer cases, some may use the 6-point system. Some German universities or departments use a grading system with intervals of three decimals. Some German universities or departments use a grading system with intervals of three decimals. If you get a 1 on your exam at a German university, it means you successfully completed between 90% to 100% of the tasks.

The German grading scale is as follows:

1. 0-1.4 (Sehr gut): Very good (Excellent achievement)
1. 5-2.4 (Gut): Good (Achievement exceeding standard requirements)

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1. 5-3.4 (Befriedigend): Satisfactory (Achievement meeting standard requirements)
1. 5-4.0 (Ausreichend): Sufficient (Achievement barely meeting minimum requirements)
1. 1-5.0 (Mangelhaft): Not sufficient / Failed (Achievement not meeting minimum requirements)
6 (Ungenügend): Inadequate / Failed (Lacking understanding of basic concepts)

Note: Some universities or faculties grade by jumping three decimals: 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, 2.3, etc.

German Law Schools

Llaw programs in German universities use a unique 18-point grading scale instead of the 5-point scale. For law students at German universities, a similar system to the 1 to 5 scale is used that comprises one more grade that is inserted between 2 (gut) and 3 (befriedigend), named vollbefriedigend. This is because the grades 2 (gut) and 1 (sehr gut) are extremely rare, so an additional grade was created below gut to increase differentiation. The points range from 0 to 18, the range between 16 to 18 points being the highest grade and indicating an outstanding performance. Every grade is converted into points similarly to the Gymnasium system described above, starting at 18 points (excellent) down to 0 points (poor).

The grading system for law schools is as follows:

16-18 Sehr gut (Very good) - particularly outstanding
13-15 Gut (Good) - well above average
10-12 Vollbefriedigend (Fully satisfactory) - performance above average requirements
7-9 Befriedigend (Satisfactory) - meets requirements
4-6 Ausreichend (Sufficient) - meets requirements, but with some shortcomings
1-3 Mangelhaft (Deficient) - considerable weaknesses and unacceptable as a whole
0 Ungenügend (Inadequate) - a poor performance overall

Doctoral Programs

Doctoral programs in Germany involve a more qualitative assessment of the doctoral thesis and viva voce. Numerical value thresholds for these grades can vary depending on how rigorous the university’s evaluation process is. In particular doctorate's degrees, e.g. Dr. phil. or Dr. rer. nat., are graded by using the Latin versions. In this case the grade (Note/Zensur) is called Prädikat.

Key Points About the German Grading System

The grading system is considered stricter compared to some other countries.
A grade of 2.0 (Befriedigend) is generally considered an average grade.
Some universities might provide more granular details within each grade category.

Grade Conversion

If you want to apply to a school in Germany, the grades from your previous studies are often an important part of the application process. A matter of particular interest for those considering studying abroad or even enrolling full-time in a German university is the conversion of grades. A number of systems exist for the conversion of grades from other countries into German grades.

The Modified Bavarian Formula

In Germany, all school work is graded using the Modified Bavarian Formula. Our German grade calculator uses the Modified Bavarian Formula to transform your grade (which uses the grading system in your country) to the German equivalent.

The Modified Bavarian Formula is as follows:

German Grade = ((Nmax - Nd) / (Nmax - Nmin)) * 3 + 1

Where:

Nmax: the maximum possible grade in the foreign grading system
Nmin: the minimum passing grade in the foreign grading system
Nd: the obtained foreign grade to be converted into a German grade

The resulting value is rounded to the next German grade (e.g. 1.6 is rounded to the German grade 1.7 and 2.4 is rounded to 2.3). For resulting values between two German grades, the score is rounded to the better grade.

Example:

If the grading system is from 1 to 10, with 10 being an A+ or the best possible grade, you introduce 10. If your grading system is a 10-point scale and you need to have at least a 4 to pass, you will introduce 4. If the grade you have achieved is 7, then:

German Grade = ((10 - 7) / (10 - 4)) * 3 + 1

German Grade = (3 / 6) * 3 + 1

German Grade = 1.5 + 1

German Grade = 2.5

When to Convert Your Grades

All university applications require a school leaving certificate and a transcript of your previous results. Chances are, your country's grading system differs from the German one, which means you need to convert your grades. You will need to convert all your grades for the application process, but you can also find yourself referring to your country's grading system since that is what you are used to.

Common Errors to Avoid

While using the German Grade Calculator is generally straightforward, students often make avoidable mistakes. One common issue is entering the wrong maximum or minimum passing grade. For instance, some Indian universities use 40% as the pass mark, while others use 50%, and in Pakistan, the CGPA pass mark might vary between 2.0 and 2.5.

Limitations and Accuracy of Grade Conversions

While grade conversion formulas like the Modified Bavarian Formula provide a helpful approximation, they do not apply to all universities or programs. Please keep in mind that each university and even each individual program may interpret foreign grades slightly differently.

Comparison with Other Grading Systems

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)

A while back, European countries started working together to better align their grading systems and make it easier for each other to recognise the academic performance of international students. This is how the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) was born. The ECTS is adopted by universities from European Higher Education Area countries it and makes it easier to convert grades from one country into grades used in another country. Such a tool contributes to student mobility, as it makes it easier for you to transfer to a university in another European country. The ECTS doesn’t replace local grade systems, but it is used simultaneously to "translate" and "transcript" a grade from one institution to another.

The ECTS scale is built according to the following rule:

grade A means ‘outstanding performance without errors’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the best 10% of students
grade B means ‘above the average standard but with minor errors’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the next 25%
grade C means ‘generally sound work with some errors’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the next 30%
grade D means ‘fair but with significant shortcomings’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the next 25%
grade E means ‘performance meets the minimum criteria’ and it corresponds to the grades obtained by the final 10%
grade F means “Fail”.

German university grades vs ECTS

1-1.5 (Exzellent): Outstanding = A (in ECTS grading)
1.6-2.0 (Sehr gut): Very good = B (in ECTS grading)
2.1-3.0 (Gut): Good = C (in ECTS grading)
3.1-3.5 (Befriedigend): Satisfactory = D (in ECTS grading)
3.6-4.0 (Ausreichend): Sufficient = E (in ECTS grading)
4.1-5.0 (6.0) (Nicht ausreichend): Fail = F (in ECTS grading)

UK Grading System

The UK grading system in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland uses A to D grades to evaluate study results, with D being the lowest to pass. Scotland has a different way of grading study results. However, all of them, at the end of a Bachelor’s programme, use a percentage scale (called the honours classification system) to evaluate graduates. Another European country using this grading system is Ireland. The UK grading system is also adopted in countries like Canada, Australia, and India, with some changes tailored to the local context.

Degree Classifications:

First-Class Honours (1st or First): 70% and above (Exceptional performance)
Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1 or 2.i): 60-70% (Strong performance)
Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2 or 2.ii): 50-60% (Satisfactory performance)
Third-Class Honours (3rd or Third): 40-50% (Minimum passing grade)
Fail: Below 40%

The UK grading system vs ECTS grading system:

First-Class Degree (70-100%) = A (in ECTS grading)
Upper Second-Class Degree (60-69%) = B (in ECTS grading)
Lower Second-Class Degree (50-59%) = C (in ECTS grading)
Third Class Degree (40-49%) = D (in ECTS grading)
Fail (0-39%) = E/F (in ECTS grading)

The UK grading system vs the US grading system:

First-Class Degree (70-100%) = A
Upper Second-Class Degree (60-69% = A-, B+
Lower Second-Class Degree (50-59%) = B, B-
Third Class Degree (40-49%) = C+, C, C-
Fail (0-39%) = F

US Grading System

In the United States, students are graded in letters from A (excellent) to F (fail), D being the lowest passing grade. In the US system, grades are often based on percentages or letter grades (A-F), while the German system is numerical.

German Grading system vs US Grading system (simplified)

1. 0-1.5 = A
2. 6-2.5 = B
3. 6-3.5 = C
4. 6-4.9 = D
5. 0-6.0 = F

France Grading System

The French university grades range from 0 (worst) to 20 (best). To pass a subject and receive the credits for that subject, you must score at least 10 points. Your grade average across all courses needs to be at least 10 out of 20 to move on to the next year of study. 20 is the perfect grade and is virtually never granted (estimates show about 1% of students earn this grade), while scores of 19 and 18 are also rare. Depending on the subject, a score of 16 would be an excellent grade.

French grading system vs ECTS:

18-20 (Très bien): Excellent (Exceptional performance) = A (in ECTS grading)
16-17 (Très bien): Very good (Exceptional performance) = B (in ECTS grading)
14-15 (Bien): Good (Performance exceeds expectations, but some mistakes made) = C (in ECTS grading)
12-13 (Assez bien): Satisfactory (Satisfactory performance, but many mistakes made) = D (in ECTS grading)
10-11 (Passable): Sufficient (The level of performance is sufficient) = E (in ECTS grading)
0-9 (Ajourné): Fail (Level of performance does not reach expectations) = F (in ECTS grading)

French Grading system vs US Grading system

Although the French and US grading systems are not entirely equivalent, this is how grades correspond between the two:

15-20 = A
1. 5-14.99 = A-
1. 5-13.99 = B
1. 0-13.49 = B-
1. 0-14.49 = B+
1. 5-11.99 = C
1. 0-11.49 = C-
1. 0-12.99 = C+
1. 0-10.49 = D
1. 5-10.99 = D+
Lower than 10 = F

Spain Grading System

Spanish universities utilise a 0 to 10-point grading scale to assess student performance, where 10 represents the highest possible grade and a 100% achievement of your learning goals. There is a tendency in Spanish universities for fewer students pursuing degrees in sciences, health, and engineering to receive grades from the higher ranks of the grading scale.

9-10 (Sobresaliente): Outstanding - Some students who receive grades higher than 9, depending on their number, receive a Matrícula de Honor (MH) distinction.
7-8,9 (Notable): Remarkable
5-6,9 (Aprobado): (Pass)
0-4,9 (Suspenso): Fail

Spanish Grading Scale vs ECTS (simplified):

10 = A
9-9.9 = B
7-8.9 = C
6-6.9 = D
5-5.9 = E
0-4.9 = F

Spanish Grading Scale vs US grades:

10 (Matricula de Honor): Matriculation with Honours = A+
9. 00-9.99 (Sobresaliente): Outstanding = A
1. 00-8.99 (Notable): Very Good = B+
1. 00-6.99 (Aprobado): Pass = B
1. 50-5.99 (Aprobado): Pass = B-
1. 00-5.49 (Aprobado): Pass = C
1. 00-4.99 (Suspenso): Fail = F

Italy Grading System

If you choose to study in Italy, know that the Italian university grading system uses a two-tiered structure with different scales for individual courses and the overall degree award. Universities in Italy use a grading scale from 0 to 30 when it comes to exams. This scale can be divided into ‘Failing’ (0 to 17) and ‘Passing’ (18 to 30) grades. A grade of 30 with lode (translates to "with distinction" from Latin) means the highest honour achievement, like "cum laude" in other countries. For your final assessment, at the end of your studies, you will be evaluated based on a 110-point scale, which includes course exams and your final thesis. Some Universities in Italy used a 100-point scale instead of 110. The minimum passing grade for the entire degree is 66/110 (or 66/100).

Italian Grading System vs ECTS

30 = A (Excellent)
29 = B (Very good)
27-28 = C (Good)
24-26 = D (Satisfactory)
18-23 = E (Sufficient)
17 or less = F (Fail)

Italian Grading System vs US / UK systems

1. 00-30.00 lode: Excellent = A (US system) / First class (UK system)
2. 00-28.00: Very good = B (US system) / Upper second class (UK system)
3. 00-24.00: Good = C (US system) / Lower second class (UK system)
4. 00-20.00: Adequate = D (US system) / Third class (UK system)
5. 00 or less: Not adequate = F (US system) / Fail (UK system)

The Netherlands grading system

The Dutch use the same 10-point scale grading system for all education levels, from elementary school to university. The lowest possible grade is 1, while 10 is.

Importance of ECTS for International Students

Since ECTS credits are recognized internationally, they facilitate credit transfer between universities in Europe and beyond. This is particularly useful for students participating in exchange programs like Erasmus or those looking to change their universities within Europe.

DAAD Scholarship Grade Criteria

Germany’s DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers, and it provides support for students, researchers, and academics to study, teach, and conduct research in Germany.

To qualify for most DAAD scholarships, there are no minimum grade requirements, however, you still need above-average grades, as your performance will be taken into consideration. As a result, while exact grade thresholds are not stipulated, a converted German grade of 2.5 or better is typically expected.

However, keep in mind that to be eligible and have high chances at a DAAD scholarship, other aspects are also taken into account, such as the quality of the project, language skills, motivation, extracurricular commitment, special circumstances, etc.

Grade Relevance for Student Visa Applications

Academic performance doesn’t just matter for university admissions and scholarships, it can also impact your student visa process, particularly in countries with strict visa vetting procedures. Certain German embassies or consulates may require academic transcripts or converted grades as part of the visa application process to verify your genuine admission to a recognized institution. This is especially common in high-volume regions.

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