Germany uses a reverse grading scale: 1.0 is the best and 5.0 is failing. This is the opposite of the US system, which often confuses people at first glance. A German 1.0 converts to a US 4.0 and a 2.0 to a 3.0. This converter uses the modified Bavarian formula, the conversion German universities use for foreign grades, applied in reverse.
| German Grade | Label | US GPA (5.0 − grade) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Sehr gut | 4.00 |
| 1.3 | Sehr gut | 3.70 |
| 1.7 | Gut | 3.30 |
| 2.0 | Gut | 3.00 |
| 2.3 | Gut | 2.70 |
| 2.7 | Befriedigend | 2.30 |
| 3.0 | Befriedigend | 2.00 |
| 3.3 | Befriedigend | 1.70 |
| 3.7 | Ausreichend | 1.30 |
| 4.0 | Ausreichend | 1.00 |
| 5.0 | Nicht ausreichend | 0.00 |
The German grading system runs from 1.0 (excellent) to 5.0 (fail), with 4.0 being the minimum passing grade. The modified Bavarian formula is the standard way German universities convert foreign grades, and this converter applies it in reverse: US GPA = 5.0 − German grade, for passing grades from 1.0 to 4.0. It assumes a US lowest passing grade of 1.0 (a D). Credential evaluators such as WES use their own tables, so an official evaluation can differ. German grading tends to be strict, and a 1.0 is rare. Grades are typically given to one decimal place. The system applies across universities (Universitäten) and applied sciences institutions (Fachhochschulen).
Use the format from your country.
Instantly converted to the 4.0 scale.
Uses common published tables. Official evaluations (WES, ECE) may differ.
Full conversion table included.
Explains how the grading system works.
Immediate access.