The Danish grading system has, since the school year 2006/2007, consisted of the so-called 7-point scale, which replaced the previous 10-point scale. The 7-point scale consists of the grades -3, 00, 02, 4, 7, 10, and 12.
- -3 and 00 are both given for failed performances
- 02 is assessed as the sufficient performance to pass
- 4 is the average performance
- 7 is the good performance
- 10 is the distinguished performance
- 12 is given for the outstanding performance.
The reason for replacing the old 10-point scale with the current 7-point scale was partly that the previous grading scale was too incomparable with the international ECTS scale. The purpose of introducing the 7-point scale was thus to make it easier for Danish students to convert their grades to international standards, thereby making it easier for Danish students to apply for education abroad.
At which educational institutions is the Danish grading system used?
The current 7-point scale is part of the Danish grading system used in virtually the entire educational system in Denmark, including primary schools, upper secondary education (STX, HHX, HTX), higher preparatory examination (HF), universities, as well as on professional universities and university colleges.
There are only a few educational institutions where the Danish grading system is not used, such as some alternative educational institutions and some artistic educations. Moreover, there are courses, further education, and certification programs where the Danish grading system is not applicable, but where, for example, a pass/fail system is used instead.
If you start on The Official Danish Language Course at A2B, you will not receive grades in the module test and final exam, but will instead receive a pass/fail.
The significance of grades if you are within the educational system
The significance of your grades within the educational system depends on several factors, including which educational institution you attend, whether you wish to continue studying (and specifically what), and of course, your personal ambitions. For example, if you are already enrolled in a Danish educational program and wish to continue at a university or another higher education institution, there may be requirements for your average grades or that certain specific subjects must be passed.
In short, your grades are important for your future opportunities to achieve your educational goals and dreams, and to secure access to specific courses of study.
If you have children who wish to continue to high school after primary school, it requires that they have an average of at least 5.
Your opportunities as a newcomer to Denmark
It is possible for foreigners in Denmark to start an education if certain requirements are met - however, it will always be the individual educational institution that assesses whether you can start the education you wish.
If you seek admission to a vocational education, the requirement in most cases will be that you have passed Danish and mathematics, corresponding to the final exams of primary school, with a grade of 02.