The German Grading System Explained Simply

If you come to Germany to study, you will quickly notice that the German grading system is different from the system in many other countries.

While high numbers mean good results in some countries, the opposite is true in Germany.

What grades are used in Germany?

The German school system generally uses the following grades:

1.0 = very good

2.0 = good

3.0 = satisfactory

4.0 = sufficient

5.0 = poor

6.0 = insufficient

The important thing to remember is: The lower the number, the better the grade.

What grade do you need to pass?

In most cases, a grade of 4.0 or better means that you have passed an exam.

A grade of 5.0 or 6.0 means that the exam was not passed.

How are grades given at German universities?

German universities also usually use a grading scale from 1.0 to 5.0.

There are also intermediate grades such as:

• 1.3
• 1.7
• 2.3
• 2.7
• 3.3
• 3.7

These grades make it possible to evaluate academic performance more precisely.

How are international grades converted?

International school and university certificates are often evaluated individually.

Depending on the university or recognition authority, grades may be converted into the German grading system.

This means that the same final grade can be evaluated differently depending on the country and the institution.

If you want to study in Germany, it is therefore important to check how your previous qualifications and grades are evaluated for your chosen course of study.

Why are grades important?

Your final grade can have an influence on:

• admission to a university
• degree programs with an NC
• scholarships
• applications for Master’s programs

A good grade can often improve your chances of being admitted to a study program. However, admission requirements vary depending on the university and degree program.

Conclusion

The German grading system may seem unusual at first, but it is easy to understand: 1.0 is the best grade and 6.0 is the lowest grade.

If you understand the German grading system, you can better evaluate your academic performance and prepare for your studies and exams in Germany.

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Do you want to study in Germany but do not yet meet the necessary requirements? Or do you still have questions about Studienkolleg and your path to a German university?

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