German Grading System Explained (2024)

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.

The School Grading System in Germany

Germany’s school grading system is designed to evaluate students’ performance from primary school through high school. It uses a straightforward 6-point scale, where 1 is the best grade (excellent), and 6 is the lowest (insufficient). In senior high school, a 15-point system is introduced for precision.

Primary and Lower Secondary Education Grades

How Are Students in Primary and Lower Secondary Schools in Germany Graded?

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:

GradeGrade DefinitionPercentage
1+, 1, 1-Sehr gut (Very good, excellent)91-100%
2+, 2, 2-Gut (Good)81-90%
3+, 3, 3-Befriedigend (Satisfactory)66-80%
4+, 4, 4-Ausreichend (Sufficient – lowest passing grade)50-65%
5+, 5, 5-, 6Mangelhaft (Insufficient – failing grade)0-49%

Upper Secondary Education Grades

How Are Students in Upper Secondary Schools in Germany Graded?

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:

PointsGrade DefinitionCorresponding School Grade
15Excellent – highest grade possible1+
13-14Very good1-,1
10-12Good2-,2,2+
7-9Satisfactory3-,3,3+
4-6Sufficient – lowest passing grade4-,4,4+
1-3Insufficient – failing grade5+,5,5-
0Poor – failing grade6

German University Grading System

How Do German Universities Award Grades?

Most universities in Germany use a 1 to 5 (or 6) point grading system to assess their students’ academic performance. 1 and 5 signify both extreme ends of your achievement. If you get 1 on your exam, it means you successfully completed between 90 and 100% of your task. On the other hand, if you got 5, it means your performance has not satisfied the least minimum required to pass.

Given below are marks in the German grading system and their translation in terms of your academic achievement:

German GradeAcademic Achievement
1 to 1.5Sehr gut (Very good).

The performance meets the requirements to an exceptionally high degree, demonstrating outstanding competence.

1.6 to 2.5Gut (Good).

The performance is well above average, reflecting a strong grasp of the subject matter.

2.6 to 3.5Befriedigend (Satisfactory).

The performance is at an average level, indicating a reasonable understanding of the material.

3.6 to 4.0Ausreichend (Sufficient).

You have reached the minimum score to pass the exam in spite of deficiencies.

4.1 to 5Nicht ausreichend (Insufficient).

Your performance doesn’t meet the requirements.

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.

Grades for Law Programs in Germany

How Do Law Schools Award Grades in Germany?

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.

Below is a table illustrating the grading system of law programs in Germany:

GradeGrade Definition
16-18 pointsSehr gut (Very good) – particularly outstanding
13-15 pointsGut (Good) – well above average
10-12 pointsVollbefriedigend (Fully satisfactory) – performance above average requirements
7-9 pointsBefriedigend (Satisfactory) – meets requirements
4-6 pointsAusreichend (Sufficient) – meets requirements, but with some shortcomings
1-3 pointsMangelhaft (Deficient) – considerable weaknesses and unacceptable as a whole
0 pointsUngenügend (Inadequate) – a poor performance overall

Grades for Doctoral Programs in Germany

What Is the Grading System for PhD in Germany?

Unlike undergraduate and master’s programs, where grades are common, doctoral degrees often involve more qualitative assessments of research and dissertation work.

Assessment in doctoral programs in Germany often includes the following Latin descriptors:

GradeGrade Definition
Summa cum laude (<1.0)With Distinction – Exceptional quality
Magna cum laude (1.0 or 1,3)Very Good – Excellent work
Cum laude (1.7, 2.0, or 2.3)Good – Meeting a solid standard
Rite (2.7 or 3.0)Passed – Meeting minimum requirements

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.

How Do German Grades Compare to US Grades?

The German grading system ranges from 1.0 (excellent) to 5.0 (fail), with 1.0 equivalent to an A+ and 4.0 to a D in the US system. Grades below 4.0 are passing, while 5.0 is considered insufficient or failing.

Here’s a conversion chart for the German academic 5-point grade scale to US grades and GPA:

German GradeDescriptionUS Letter GradeUS GPA (Grade Point Average)
1.0Sehr gut (Very good)A+
1.0A4.0
1.3A-3.7
1.7B+3.3
2.0Gut (Good)B3.0
2.3B-2.7
2.7C+2.3
3.0Befriedigend (Satisfactory)C2.0
3.3C-1.7
3.7D+1.3
4.0Ausreichend (Sufficient)D1.0
5.0Nicht ausreichend (Insufficient)F0.0

How Do German Grades Compare to UK Grades?

German grades 0.8 and 1.3 correspond to a UK first-class degree, with 0.8 being equivalent to first-class with distinction. Grades from 1.7 to 2.7 are equivalent to upper and lower second-class degrees, while 3.0 to 4.0 range from third class to pass without honours; a 5.0 is a fail.

Here’s a conversion chart for German grades on the 5-point scale to their UK equivalents:

German GradeDescriptionUK Equivalent
0.8Sehr gut (Very good)First-class (with Distinction)
1.0First-class
1.3First class
1.7Upper second-class (2:1)
2.0Gut (Good)Upper second-class (2:1)
2.3Lower second-class (2:2)
2.7Lower second-class (2:2)
3.0Befriedigend (Satisfactory)Third class
3.3Third class
3.7Third class
4.0Ausreichend (Sufficient)Passed without honours/unclassified
5.0Nicht ausreichend (Insufficient)Fail

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.

What is the ECTS Grade?

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a standardized grading framework used to streamline academic exchanges among European Union (EU) countries. It addresses the challenge of varying interpretations of national grading systems when EU students study in different European countries.

Here’s how ECTS works:

  • Standardized Grading. ECTS uses a standardized grading scale that simplifies the assessment of students’ academic performance. The scale includes grades:
    • A (Excellent)
    • B (Very Good)
    • C (Good)
    • D (Satisfactory)
    • E (Sufficient)
    • F (Fail)
  • Academic Credits. Each course in a university program is assigned a specific number of ECTS credits, which reflects the workload required for that course. Typically, one ECTS credit corresponds to 25-30 hours of student workload, including lectures, assignments, self-study, and exams.
  • 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:

German GradeGrade DefinitionECTS grade
1 – 1.5Exzellent (Outstanding)A
1.6 – 2.0Sehr gut (Very good)B
2.1 – 3.0Gut (Good)C
3.1 – 3.5Befriedigend (Satisfactory)D
3.6 – 4.0Ausreichend (Sufficient)E
4.1 – 5.0 (6.0)Nicht ausreichend (Fail)F

German Grading System Explained (2)

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German Grading System Explained (2024)

FAQs

Is 3.7 a bad grade in Germany? ›

2.6–3.5 befriedigend (satisfactory: an achievement which corresponds to average requirements) 3.6–4.0 ausreichend (sufficient: an achievement which barely meets the requirements) 5.0 nicht ausreichend / nicht bestanden (not sufficient / failed: an achievement which does not meet the requirements)

Is 1.7 a good grade in Germany? ›

The grades represent the following assessments of the examination performances: 1.0–1.5 “very good”: excellent performance. 1.6–2.5 “good”: performance well above average. 2.6–3,5 “satisfactory”: average performance.

What grade is 70% in Germany? ›

The German grading system
German GradePercentageMeaning
1.6 - 2.575 - 89%Good – gut
2.6 - 3.560 - 74%Satisfactory – befriedigend
3.6 - 4.050 - 59%Sufficient - ausreichend
5.00 - 49%Failed – nicht bestanden
1 more row
Jul 11, 2024

Is 3.5 a good GPA in Germany? ›

In Germany, grades are generally classified as follows: "sehr gut" (very good) for grades between 1.0 and 1.5, "gut" (good) for grades between 1.6 and 2.5, "befriedigend" (satisfactory) for grades between 2.6 and 3.5, and "ausreichend" (sufficient) for grades between 3.6 and 4.0.

Is 2.8 GPA good for masters in Germany? ›

Typically, German universities accept a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, but this can vary by program and institution. Some universities may have higher GPA requirements. Courses in English require proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).

What is a 3.9 GPA in Germany? ›

Scale
CGPA (Best: 4.0, Worst: 2.0)German Grading System (Best: 1.0, Worst:5.0)
3.91.15 (Very Good)
3.81.30 (Very Good)
3.71.45 (Very Good)
3.61.60 (Good)
17 more rows

What is a failing grade in Germany? ›

The German grading system ranges from 1.0 (excellent) to 5.0 (fail), with 1.0 equivalent to an A+ and 4.0 to a D in the US system.

How is the grading system in Germany compared to the US? ›

Another aspect is the different grading systems. Whereas in the USA, grades range from A to F, in Germany the grades range from 1 to 6. An A in the USA is roughly equivalent to a very good A in Germany.

What is the average GPA in Germany? ›

Grading Practice in Germany

As per the study conducted by WES, the average grade in Germany is approximately around 3.0 and below WES table converts a 3.0 to a B equivalent in the US.

How to calculate German grading system? ›

You can convert your native Letter Grade to German Grade by assigning a number to each letter by following this chart below:
  1. A+ equals 1.
  2. A equals 2.
  3. B equals 3.
  4. C equals 4.
  5. D equals 5.
  6. E equals 6.

What grade is distinction in Germany? ›

Grades
GermanyUSA*UK (university)**
Sehr gut + (0.8)A+first-class (with distinction)
Sehr gut (1.0)A (4.0)first-class
Sehr gut - (1.5)A-first-class
Gut + (1.8)B+upper second-class (2:1)
8 more rows

Does Germany have 13 grades? ›

After children complete their primary education (at 10 years of age/grade 4, 12 year of age in Berlin and Brandenburg), there are four options for secondary schooling: Gymnasium (Germany) until grade 12 or 13 (with Abitur as exit exam, qualifying for university).

What GPA do you need for Phd in Germany? ›

Check the formal requirements

A university degree is a general prerequisite to qualify for admission to doctoral studies. Usually, a final grade point average of at least 2.5 on the German grading scale (which equals good or B+) or an examination graded "cum laude" is required.

Is 2.7 GPA good in Germany? ›

2.7 is below the national average of 3.0, which means it is getting close to the average.

Is a 3.5 GPA good for Harvard? ›

A 3.5 GPA will be highly competitive, and admission can be reasonably expected at many colleges. Still, it's not the most competitive at places like Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth, which, on average, accept students with GPAs exceeding 4.0.

What is 3.7 in German grade? ›

The grading scale used at the University of Passau (for all subjects except Law)
Grade/markDescriptionPass/fail
1.7–2.3'gut' – goodpass
2.7–3.3'befriedigend' – satisfactorypass
3.7–4.0'ausreichend' – sufficientpass
4.3–5.0'mangelhaft' – deficientfail
1 more row

How bad is a 3.7 GPA? ›

A 3.7 GPA is a Grade Point Average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. It indicates that you've earned a predominantly A- average in your courses. A 3.7 GPA is considered to be a very good GPA and is often an indicator of strong academic performance.

What grade is a 3.7 equal to? ›

A 3.7 GPA is equivalent to 92% or an A- letter grade.

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