In German universities (except for law schools) a 1 to 5 scale is used:

* 1,0-1,3 sehr gut (very good: an outstanding achievement)
* 1,7-2,3 gut (good: an achievement, which lies substantially above average requirements)
* 2,7-3,3 befriedigend (satisfactory: an achievement, which corresponds to average requirements)
* 3,7-4,0 ausreichend (sufficient: an achievement, which still meets the requirements)
* 4,3-5,0 nicht ausreichend / nicht bestanden (not sufficient / failed: an achievement, which does not meet the requirements)

Sometimes, esp. with a Dr. Phil. (D.Phil. / Ph.D.) the Latin versions are used for the grading (in this case the grade (Note/Zensur) is called Prädikat):

* summa cum laude (<1.0 = mit Auszeichnung, "with honor")
* magna cum laude (1.0 = sehr gut, "very good")
* cum laude (2.0 = gut, "good")
* rite (3.0 = bestanden, "passed")

There is no grade for failing; in that case the dissertation is formally rejected without a grade.