German Grade Calculator – Convert Your GPA to the German System

If you're planning to study at a German university, understanding the country's unique grading system is essential for your application process.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how exactly grade conversion is calculated, compare the German system to other international grading standards, and clarify why and when you'll need these conversions.

German Grade Calculator Explained

In Germany, all school work is graded using the Modified Bavarian Formula, and the grades are typically awarded on a scale from 1.0 to 6.0, with 1.0 being the highest and 6.0 the lowest. German universities commonly only use the scale from 1.0 to 5.0, where 5.0 means fail.

What is a German Grade Calculator?

Our German grade calculator uses the Modified Bavarian Formula to transform your grade (which uses the grading system in your country) to the German equivalent.

When Do You Need to Convert Your Grades for Germany?

All university applications require a school leaving certificate and a transcript of your previous results. Chances are, your country's grading system differs from the German one, which means you need to convert your grades.

You will need to convert all your grades for the application process, but you can also find yourself referring to your country's grading system since that is what you are used to.

The German Grading System in Universities

Universities are no different than the other educational cycles in Germany, using the same Modified Bavarian Formula.

Grade Scale Used in Germany

Just like with other educational cycles, grades are awarded from 1.0 to 4.0, where 1 is the best possible grade, and 6 the lowest.

• 1.0 – 1.5: Sehr Gut (Very Good)
• 1.6 – 2.5: Gut (Good)
• 2.6 – 3.5: Befriedigend (Satisfactory)
• 3.6 – 4.0: Ausreichend (Sufficient)
• Below 4.0: Nicht bestanden (Failed)

Pass and Fail Thresholds and Other Distinctions

Although passing and grading can differ from university to university, the standard passing grade is anything from 1.0 up to (but not included) 4.0.

If you get anything between a 4 and a 6, your grade is not good enough to pass, and you will find yourself in need of a retake.

Modified Bavarian Formula for Grade Conversion

If you are curious about how the German grade conversion works, you should know it is based on the Modified Bavarian Formula, for which we have this equation:

German Grade = ((Nmax - Nd) / (Nmax - Nmin)) * 3 + 1

The formula has 3 variables or unknowns:

• Nmax: the maximum possible grade (if your grading system is from 1 to 10, with 10 being an A+ or the best possible grade, you introduce 10)
• Nmin: this is the minimum PASSING grade, not the minimum grade on the scale (if your grading system is a 10-point scale and you need to have at least a 4 to pass, you will introduce 4)
• Nd: this is the grade you have achieved. If your high school average grade is 9.5 on the 10-point scale mentioned earlier, you write down 9.5

Country-Specific Grade Conversion Examples

If you want to make sure you understand the formula and the German grading system correctly, we have provided a few popular examples for you.

India: How to Go From the Indian Grading System to German Grade

• Maximum GPA: 10
• Minimum Passing GPA: 4

For this example, we will assume that the grade achieved by the student is 8.5.

Conversion:

German Grade = 1 + 3 × (10 – 8.5) / (10 – 4)
= 1 + 3 × 1.5 / 6
= 1.75

An Indian GPA of 8.5 corresponds to 1.75 in the German system, which is a good grade.

Pakistan: How to Transform CGPA to German Grade

• Max CGPA: 4.0
• Min Pass CGPA: 2.0

For this example, we will assume that the grade achieved by the student is a 3.6.

Conversion:

German Grade = 1 + 3 × (4 – 3.6) / (4 – 2)
= 1 + 0.6
= 1.6

A CGPA of 3.6 from Pakistan translates to 1.6 in the German system, which is classified as a good result.

Bangladesh: How to Transform Your CGPA to German Grade

• Max CGPA: 4.0
• Min Pass CGPA: 2.0

For this example, we will assume the student's CGPA is 3.2.

Conversion:

German Grade = 1 + 3 × (4 – 3.2) / (4 – 2)
= 1 + 1.2
= 2.2

A Bangladeshi CGPA of 3.2 converts to 2.2 in Germany, which classifies as a solid "Good" rating.

US: Going from a Letter Grade to German Grade

This example requires us switching from letter grading to either the point system or the GPA system in order to get the German grade equivalent.

With this in mind, we will use the percentage system to calculate the German grade equivalent.

• Max percentage: 100
• Min pass percentage: 60

And we will assume for the sake of this example that the student achieved a 71%.

German Grade = 1 + 3 × (100 – 71) / (100 – 60)
= 1 + 2.2
= 3.2

A US grade of 71%, which corresponds to a C- or a 1.7 GPA is equivalent to a German 3.2, which is Satisfactory.

How to Use the German Grade Calculator Correctly

It is important to know how to use the German grade calculator correctly so you can fill in your university application in the right way, while also making sure your application does not get overlooked.

1. Identify your grading scale: Before using the calculator, you should determine the grading system used by your previous institution. This information is typically available on your transcript or university website. If you are graded using the letter system, convert it to a numerical one based on the numerical equivalents in your country.
2. Use the formula: We recommend that you first try to calculate the result yourself using the formula, so you get accustomed to the German grading system. You can always double-check using a digital calculator to make sure you didn't make any mistakes.
3. Double-check the grade: Because entering an incorrect grade in the application forms can result in your application being rejected, we recommend you double check your calculations to be on the safe side.
4. See how your grade compares: After calculating your German grade, compare it with the standard categories. This will help you understand how your grade is perceived in Germany.

Common Errors to Avoid

While using the German Grade Calculator is generally straightforward, students often make avoidable mistakes.

One common issue is entering the wrong maximum or minimum passing grade. For instance, some Indian universities use 40% as the pass mark, while others use 50%, and in Pakistan, the CGPA pass mark might vary between 2.0 and 2.5.

DAAD Scholarship Grade Criteria

Germany’s DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers, and it provides support for students, researchers, and academics to study, teach, and conduct research in Germany.

Grade Eligibility for DAAD

To qualify for most DAAD scholarships, there are no minimum grade requirements, however, you still need above-average grades, as your performance will be taken into consideration.

As a result, while exact grade thresholds are not stipulated, a converted German grade of 2.5 or better is typically expected.

However, keep in mind that to be eligible and have high chances at a DAAD scholarship, other aspects are also taken into account, such as the quality of the project, language skills, motivation, extracurricular commitment, special circumstances, etc.

Grade Relevance for Student Visa Applications

Academic performance doesn’t just matter for university admissions and scholarships, it can also impact your student visa process, particularly in countries with strict visa vetting procedures.

Certain German embassies or consulates may require academic transcripts or converted grades as part of the visa application process to verify your genuine admission to a recognized institution. This is especially common in high-volume regions.

Limitations and Accuracy of Grade Conversions

While grade conversion formulas like the Modified Bavarian Formula provide a helpful approximation, they do not apply to all universities or programs.

Please keep in mind that each university and even each individual program may interpret foreign grades slightly differently. This is why we recommend you reach out to the university to confirm your converted grades first.