About the German Grade Converter (Bavarian Formula)
This German grade converter turns a grade from another country into its equivalent on the German scale, where 1.0 is the best grade and 4.0 is the lowest pass. It uses the modified Bavarian formula, the method German universities, uni-assist and the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) recommend for converting foreign grades when a direct equivalence table does not exist.
Applicants to German master’s programs, DAAD scholarships and APS certificates often need this conversion to check whether they meet a grade threshold such as 2.5. Choose a preset for a US GPA, an Indian 10-point CGPA or a percentage, or enter the best possible grade and the lowest passing grade of your own system.
The result depends heavily on the minimum passing grade you enter, so use the value printed on your transcript or the one your target university specifies. German universities usually truncate the result after the first decimal (2.39 becomes 2.3), which the converter shows separately.
With the default inputs, the german grade is 1.5. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the german grade converter (bavarian formula)
- 1Choose your grading system, or pick Custom.
- 2For Custom, enter the best possible grade and the lowest passing grade from your transcript.
- 3Enter your grade (GPA, CGPA or percentage).
- 4Read the German grade, its truncated one-decimal form and its rating.
- 5Use the table to see what grade you would need for common German thresholds.
Formula and method
The modified Bavarian formula maps your grading system linearly onto the German scale. Nmax is the best grade obtainable in your system, Nmin the lowest passing grade, and Nd the grade you achieved. A grade equal to Nmax converts to 1.0, a grade equal to Nmin converts to 4.0 (the lowest German pass), and everything in between is spread evenly.
Results below 1.0 are capped at 1.0, and grades below the passing minimum produce values above 4.0, which is a fail. Universities typically truncate the result after one decimal place. Because the formula is linear, the choice of Nmin has a large effect: a US GPA of 3.0 converts to 2.0 with Nmin = 1.0 but to 2.5 with Nmin = 2.0.
- N
- Converted German grade (1.0 best, 4.0 lowest pass)
- Nmax
- Best possible grade in your system
- Nmin
- Lowest passing grade in your system
- Nd
- Your grade
Worked examples
US GPA of 3.5
With Nmax = 4.0 and Nmin = 1.0: 1 + 3 × (4.0 − 3.5) ÷ 3.0 = 1.5, which is “sehr gut”. To reach a German 2.5 you would need a 2.5 GPA on this scale.
Indian CGPA of 8.2 out of 10
With Nmax = 10 and Nmin = 4: 1 + 3 × (10 − 8.2) ÷ 6 = 1.9 (“gut”). A CGPA of 7.0 would be needed for the common 2.5 cutoff.
72% with a 40% pass mark
1 + 3 × (100 − 72) ÷ (100 − 40) = 1 + 84 ÷ 60 = 2.4. Your score is 53.3% of the way from the pass mark to the top of the scale.
French-style 14 out of 20, pass mark 10
1 + 3 × (20 − 14) ÷ (20 − 10) = 1 + 1.8 = 2.8, which is “befriedigend”. Note that some universities treat 16/20 as the practical maximum for French grades, which would give a better result.
Frequently asked questions
What is the modified Bavarian formula?+
It is the formula N = 1 + 3 × (Nmax − Nd) ÷ (Nmax − Nmin), which converts a foreign grade into the German scale by mapping the best grade to 1.0 and the lowest passing grade to 4.0.
What is a good grade in Germany?+
German grades run from 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (lowest pass), with 5.0 a fail. Grades from 1.0 to 1.5 are “sehr gut”, 1.6 to 2.5 “gut”, 2.6 to 3.5 “befriedigend” and 3.6 to 4.0 “ausreichend”. Many master’s programs ask for 2.5 or better.
How do I convert a US GPA to a German grade?+
Use Nmax = 4.0 and the lowest passing GPA as Nmin (often 1.0, sometimes 2.0). With Nmin = 1.0, a 3.0 GPA becomes 2.0; with Nmin = 2.0 it becomes 2.5. Check which minimum your target university uses.
Does uni-assist use the Bavarian formula?+
uni-assist and German universities commonly use the modified Bavarian formula to convert foreign grades when a country-specific conversion is not set, but each university can set its own rules. Treat this calculation as an estimate until you receive an official evaluation.
Why is my German grade above 4.0?+
A result above 4.0 means your grade is below the lowest passing grade you entered. Check that Nmin is the minimum pass on your scale, not the minimum possible grade.