German Grading System and Conversion

Asma Sadia Authoy

In Bangladesh, all universities follow the American Grading System which is between 1.0 and 4.0; most universities consider grade 4.0 as the highest CGPA & grade 2.0 or 2.2 as the minimum CGPA.

In the German Grading System, the CGPA is graded between 1.0 and 5.0 where grade 1.0 is counted as the maximum CGPA & grade 4.0 is counted as the minimum CGPA. Here grade of 5.0 is counted as a fail. As there is a huge difference between the German CGPA and our (American) CGPA, if anyone wants to go to Germany, they have to convert their CGPA accordingly.

For applying in Germany, a minimum German grade of 2.5 is required in most universities in Germany. Online grade converters are available. The conversion is done using a formula called the Bavarian formula. The Bavarian formula is,


                                                       X= [(Nmax-Nd)/(Nmax-Nmin)]*3+1

Where, 

X= German Grade, 

Nmax= Best Possible Score in Foreign Country’s Grading System, 

Nmin= Lowest Passing Grade in Foreign Grading System and 

Nd = Obtained Foreign Grade (to be converted into German grade).

For example: If someone’s CGPA is 3.75 in Bangladesh their German CGPA will be – (Considering  Nmax =4.0 and Nmin=2.2) 

                                                       X=[(4-3.75)/(4-2.2)]*3+1

                                                         =1.42

So if someone gets 3.75 CGPA in Bangladesh, their German equivalent CGPA will be 1.42.

The German Grading System is classified into the following types:

Grade PointGrade NameDescription
1.0 – 1.5Sehr GutVery good
outstanding Achievement
1.6 – 2.5GutGood
Above Average Requirements
2.6 – 3.5BefriedgendSatisfactory 
Average Requirements
3.6 – 4.0AusreichendSufficient 
Just Meeting Requirements
5.0Nicht BestandenFail

We hope that this guideline will help you to get a good concept of the German Grading System. 

Best wishes with your graduate admission venture!

Asma Sadia Authoy

Department of Doctor of Veterinary Science

Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University