How the CGPA to German grade conversion works
German universities grade from 1.0 (the best) to 4.0 (the lowest pass). To compare a grade from another country, they use the modified Bavarian formula, which the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) recommends for grades earned abroad:
German grade = 1 + 3 × (Nmax − Nd) ÷ (Nmax − Nmin)
- Nd is your own grade, for example your CGPA or your percentage.
- Nmax is the best possible grade in your system, for example 4.0 on a 4.0 scale or 100 for percentages.
- Nmin is the lowest passing grade in your system, for example 2.0 on many 4.0 scales or 50 for percentages.
The formula places your grade on a line between the best grade (which becomes 1.0) and the lowest pass (which becomes 4.0). The closer you are to the top of your scale, the closer your German grade is to 1.0.
German grade bands
| German grade | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (lowest pass) |
| above 4.0 | nicht ausreichend | Fail |
Worked example: CGPA 3.40 on a 4.0 scale
Ali has a CGPA of 3.40 from a Pakistani university on the 4.0 scale, where the lowest passing CGPA is 2.0. So Nd = 3.40, Nmax = 4.0 and Nmin = 2.0:
1 + 3 × (4.0 − 3.40) ÷ (4.0 − 2.0) = 1 + 3 × 0.6 ÷ 2.0 = 1 + 0.9 = 1.90
Ali's German grade is 1.90, or 1.9 with one decimal. That is in the gut (good) band.
Percentages work the same way. With 75% where the pass mark is 50%: 1 + 3 × (100 − 75) ÷ (100 − 50) = 1 + 3 × 25 ÷ 50 = 2.50, which is also gut.
Notice how much Nmin matters: if the lowest pass on Ali's scale were 1.0 instead of 2.0, the same 3.40 would give 1 + 3 × 0.6 ÷ 3.0 = 1.60. Always use the minimum passing grade your own university states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Modified Bavarian Formula?
It is the formula German universities use to turn a grade from another country into a German grade: German grade = 1 + 3 × (Nmax − Nd) ÷ (Nmax − Nmin). Nmax is the best grade in your system, Nmin the lowest passing grade and Nd your own grade. The Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) recommends it for grades earned abroad.
What is Nmin for my university?
Nmin is the lowest grade that still counts as a pass in your grading system. Look for it in the grading key on your transcript or in your university's rules. Many Pakistani universities on the 4.0 scale use 2.0 (the minimum CGPA for a degree), and for percentages it is often 50% or 40%. German universities may also take it from the anabin database, so they can use a different value from yours.
Is 1.0 the best grade in Germany?
Yes. In the German system 1.0 is the best grade and 4.0 is the lowest pass. Anything worse than 4.0, such as 5.0, is a fail. So a smaller German grade is better, which is the opposite of a CGPA.
Does uni-assist use this formula?
Yes. uni-assist converts foreign grades with the modified Bavarian formula, for example in the VPD (preliminary review documentation), and keeps one decimal place without rounding, so 2.37 becomes 2.3. Each university still makes its own admission decision, and some convert grades themselves, so check the rules of every university you apply to.
Can I convert percentage to German grade?
Yes. Use 100 as Nmax and your system's pass mark as Nmin, for example 50% or 40%. With 75% and a pass mark of 50%, your German grade is 1 + 3 × (100 − 75) ÷ (100 − 50) = 2.50. Tap the Percentage button in the converter to fill these in.
This converter gives an estimate. Universities and uni-assist decide the official conversion, so always confirm your grade with the university you apply to. See our Terms of Use.