Enter Your Percentage

Quick Conversion Reference

Important Note: This conversion represents the most commonly used standard. Individual German universities may use slightly different percentage thresholds. Always check your specific institution's official conversion table.

The Inverse Scale (1.0 = Best, 5.0 = Fail)

The German grading system operates inversely to most percentage-based systems. In Germany, 1.0 is the highest grade representing excellence, while 5.0 is a failing grade. This inverse relationship means that students aim for the lowest numerical grade possible, which initially confuses many international students.

Grade Increments (0.3 Steps)

German universities typically award grades in 0.3 increments: 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, 2.3, 2.7, 3.0, 3.3, 3.7, 4.0. Intermediate values like 1.4, 1.8, 2.4, or 2.8 are generally not used for individual course grades, though they may appear in calculated grade averages. This 0.3 increment system provides finer differentiation of student performance while maintaining consistency across institutions.

Passing vs Failing Grades

Grades 1.0 through 4.0 are passing grades in the German system, with 4.0 representing the minimum acceptable performance (50-54% mastery). Any grade worse than 4.0 (like 4.3, 4.7, or 5.0) is considered failing. The threshold of 50% for passing is lower than many other systems, but German grading is criterion-referenced and typically more stringent in evaluation.

Key Takeaway: When you see a German 2.0 grade, don't mistake it for poor performance! A 2.0 in Germany is actually GOOD (Gut), equivalent to approximately 80-84%, and represents above-average achievement.

Not All Percentages Are Equal

A 70% in one educational system doesn't equal 70% in another. Grading cultures vary significantly across countries. For example, in some Asian systems, 70% might be considered poor, while in Nordic countries, 60% might be excellent. German universities understand these nuances when evaluating international transcripts and may adjust conversions based on the student's home country grading practices.

Use the Modified Bavarian Formula for Accuracy

For official conversions, German universities often use the Modified Bavarian Formula rather than simple percentage tables. This formula accounts for the maximum grade, minimum passing grade, and your actual grade in your home system, providing a more accurate conversion that considers the specific characteristics of your educational system.

50% is Passing, Not Failing

In the German system, 50% converts to 4.0, which is the minimum passing grade. This differs from many Anglo-American systems where 60% or even 70% might be the passing threshold. A 50% in Germany indicates sufficient mastery of material to pass, though it's the bare minimum. Don't confuse this with systems where 50% means failure.

Grade Inflation Variations

German grading is generally more conservative than many other systems. A German 1.0 (95-100%) is exceptionally rare and represents truly outstanding work. In contrast, some countries experience grade inflation where top grades are more commonly awarded. When converting percentages to German grades, universities may adjust for known grading patterns from specific countries or institutions.

Context Matters for Applications

When applying to German universities, don't convert grades yourself unless specifically requested. Submit your original transcripts with the grading scale clearly indicated. German admissions offices are experienced in evaluating international qualifications and will perform conversions according to their institutional policies, often with additional context about your specific country's educational system.

Decimal Notation Difference

In German notation, the decimal separator is a comma (,) not a period (.). So German grades appear as 1,0; 2,3; 3,7 etc. in official German documents. However, for international use and online systems, the period (.) is commonly used. Both represent the same value—just different notation conventions (1,7 = 1.7).