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How does the grading system (Notensystem) work in German secondary schools?
Purpose of the grading system
The grading system in Germany is used to assess students’ performance in school subjects, and it directly affects:
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moving up between grades
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the type of certificate the student receives
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the possibility of entering later educational or vocational pathways
First: The numeric grading system (grades 5–10)
Used in all secondary schools (Hauptschule – Realschule – Gymnasium) in the lower and middle levels:
| Grade | German assessment | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sehr gut | Excellent – performance exceeds expectations |
| 2 | Gut | Good – above-average performance |
| 3 | Befriedigend | Satisfactory – good but average |
| 4 | Ausreichend | Sufficient – lowest passing grade |
| 5 | Mangelhaft | Weak – minimum not achieved |
| 6 | Ungenügend | Failed – no understanding of the subject shown |
Passing starts from grade 4 and above. Grade 5 or 6 is considered a fail in the subject.
How are averages calculated?
The overall average (Notendurchschnitt) is calculated from the sum of grades in main and secondary subjects.
Some federal states give greater weight to core subjects (Deutsch, Mathematik, Englisch).
If failing one or two subjects, it can sometimes be compensated by good grades in other subjects (Ausgleich).
Second: The points system in upper secondary (Sekundarstufe II – Abitur)
In grades 11–13 (Gymnasium and higher vocational schools), a points system (Punktesystem) is used instead of numeric grades:
| Points | Equivalent grade | German assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 15–13 | 1+ bis 1– | Sehr gut (ممتاز) |
| 12–10 | 2+ bis 2– | Gut (جيد) |
| 9–7 | 3+ bis 3– | Befriedigend (مرضٍ) |
| 6–5 | 4+ bis 4– | Ausreichend (مقبول) |
| 4–1 | 5+ bis 5– | Mangelhaft (ضعيف) |
| 0 | 6 | Ungenügend (راسب) |
To obtain the Abitur, a sufficient number of points must be collected over two years, along with passing final exams in specific subjects.
Practical example of calculating an average:
| Subject | Grade | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Deutsch | 2 | Gut |
| Mathematik | 3 | Befriedigend |
| Englisch | 2 | Gut |
| Biologie | 1 | Sehr gut |
| Geschichte | 4 | Ausreichend |
Average = (2+3+2+1+4) ÷ 5 = 2.4 → Good (Gut)
Important notes:
Some schools issue additional written evaluations (Verbalbeurteilungen) alongside numeric certificates, especially in Realschule and Hauptschule.
Differences between federal states exist, but the core system is similar throughout Germany.
In the Abitur, each point affects the overall grade (Abiturnote), which is used for university applications, especially for restricted majors (such as medicine, pharmacy...).
ـ* The team of writers and editors on the website is keen to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles; however, some errors may appear or some unconfirmed information may be included. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always refer to the competent authorities to obtain confirmed information.
