The equivalent to the US "D" does not exist. Students receiving a 3.0 or above are generally regarding as having an A or B average in the U.S. equivalent. Anything between 4.1-4.9 is considered good academic standing. Registrars are encouraged to look at credit and contact hours to help determine credit received.
The German education system utilizes a unique grading scale that can vary slightly between different levels of education, such as high school (Gymnasium) and higher education institutions (universities and colleges). Here’s a breakdown of the main grade scales used in Germany, along with their comparable English terms, equivalent percentage ranges, and approximate GPA conversions for the US grading system.
High School Grade Scale
Germany Grade | Comparable English Terms | Equivalent Percentage | Approximate GPA (US 4.0 Scale) |
---|---|---|---|
1 (Sehr gut) | Very Good/Excellent | 90-100% | 4.0 |
2 (Gut) | Good | 80-89% | 3.0 |
3 (Befriedigend) | Satisfactory | 65-79% | 2.0 |
4 (Ausreichend) | Sufficient | 50-64% | 1.0 |
5 (Mangelhaft) | Poor/Fail | 30-49% | 0.0 |
6 (UngenĂ¼gend) | Insufficient/Fail | 0-29% | 0.0 |
College / University Grade Scale
Germany Grade | Comparable English Terms | Equivalent Percentage | GPA (on a 5-point scale) |
---|---|---|---|
1.0 – 1.5 | Excellent | 90-100% | 5 |
1.6 – 2.5 | Good | 80-89% | 4 |
2.6 – 3.5 | Satisfactory | 65-79% | 3 |
3.6 – 4.0 | Sufficient | 50-64% | 2 |
4.1 – 5.0 | Fail | 0-49% | 1 |
In both systems, the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ variations (e.g., 2+, 2, 2-) can be used to provide more nuanced assessments within these categories, though this practice is more common at the university level.
Understanding Grades in Germany
The German grading system ranges from 1 (very good, excellent) to 6 (insufficient, fail), with 1 being the highest grade and 6 the lowest. Here’s what each grade level means:
- 1 (Sehr gut) 🌟: An excellent performance that exceeds all standard requirements.
- 2 (Gut) 👍: A good performance, significantly above the average requirements.
- 3 (Befriedigend) 😊: A satisfactory performance that meets all average requirements.
- 4 (Ausreichend) ✔️: A sufficient performance that barely meets the requirements.
- 5 (Mangelhaft) 🚩: A poor performance that does not meet the requirements due to significant shortcomings.
- 6 (UngenĂ¼gend) ❌: An insufficient performance with far below average understanding of the material; requirements are not met.
Germany Grade Comparison
Comparing the German grading system to those of other countries helps in understanding how German grades translate internationally:
Germany Grade | US Grade | UK Grade | India Grade (%) | Australia Grade | Canada Grade | China Grade (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.0 – 1.5 | A+ | First-class Honours | 90-100 | HD (High Distinction) | A+ | 85-100 |
1.6 – 2.5 | A | Upper Second-class | 75-89 | D (Distinction) | A | 75-84 |
2.6 – 3.5 | B | Lower Second-class | 60-74 | C (Credit) | B | 65-74 |
3.6 – 4.0 | C | Third-class Honours | 50-59 | P (Pass) | C | 60-64 |
4.1 – 5.0 | F | Fail | Below 50 | F (Fail) | F | Below 60 |
FAQs
Q: How can I convert my German university grade to a US GPA?
A: Convert your German grade to a percentage or directly to the 5-point scale and then map this to the US 4.0 scale, considering 1.0 as 4.0 in the US, 2.0 around 3.0, and so on. Specific conversion methods may vary by institution.
Q: Is a 3.0 in Germany considered a good grade for graduate programs in the US or UK?
A: A 3.0 (Befriedigend) is considered satisfactory in Germany, roughly equivalent to a ‘B’ in the US. It’s acceptable for many graduate programs, though competitive programs may require higher grades.
Q: Can German high school grades be converted for college applications abroad?
A: Yes, German high school grades can be converted for international applications using equivalency tables or conversion services, but exact requirements will depend on the institution.