The Germany Grading System Explained
Germany uses 1.0-5.0 (reverse scale): 1.0-1.5=Sehr Gut, 1.6-2.5=Gut, 2.6-3.5=Befriedigend, 3.6-4.0=Ausreichend (pass), above 4.0=Fail.
German Klausuren are often worth 100% of the module grade. No continuous assessment. The pass threshold is typically 50% of points.
Quick Example (40% final): 80% current → Need >100% for top grade | Need 80.0% for merit/good grade.
|Enter your percentage equivalent (50%=pass) when using this calculator. German re-sit (Wiederholungsprüfung) rules allow 1-2 attempts.
|Enter your percentage equivalent (50%=pass) when using this calculator. German re-sit (Wiederholungsprüfung) rules allow 1-2 attempts.
Score Reference Table — Germany (40% Final)
| Current Grade | Need for A (90%) | Need for B (80%) | Need for C (70%) | Need to Pass (60%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60% | >100% | >100% | 85.0% | 60.0% |
| 65% | >100% | >100% | 77.5% | 52.5% |
| 70% | >100% | 95.0% | 70.0% | 45.0% |
| 75% | >100% | 87.5% | 62.5% | 37.5% |
| 78% | >100% | 83.0% | 58.0% | 33.0% |
| 80% | >100% | 80.0% | 55.0% | 30.0% |
| 82% | >100% | 77.0% | 52.0% | 27.0% |
| 85% | 97.5% | 72.5% | 47.5% | 22.5% |
| 88% | 93.0% | 68.0% | 43.0% | 18.0% |
| 90% | 90.0% | 65.0% | 40.0% | 15.0% |
| 92% | 87.0% | 62.0% | 37.0% | 12.0% |
| 95% | 82.5% | 57.5% | 32.5% | 7.5% |
How to Use This Calculator for Germany Courses
The formula works identically regardless of grading scale — what changes is the label on the target. Use these conversions:
- First Class / Distinction / A = target 70-90% depending on your institution's cutoff
- Merit / 2:1 / B = target 60-70%
- Pass / 2:2 / C = target 50-60%
- Minimum pass = target 40-50% (check your institution's exact threshold)
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany uses 1.0-5.0 (reverse scale): 1.0-1.5=Sehr Gut, 1.6-2.5=Gut, 2.6-3.5=Befriedigend, 3.6-4.0=Ausreichend (pass), above 4.0=Fail.
German Klausuren are often worth 100% of the module grade. No continuous assessment. The pass threshold is typically 50% of points.
If your institution uses a non-percentage scale, convert using the guide above and enter the percentage equivalent.
Always check your institution's academic handbook for the exact grading scale and pass threshold.
Yes — divide total earned points by total possible points, multiply by 100, and use that percentage.
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