A few words on grading

For a given occasion I would like to spend a few words on grading (at the university). Apparently some students have the misconception that a 1.7 or a 2.0 is not a good grade. But that’s wrong! A 2.0 is exactly that: a good grade. To illustrate that let me paraphrase the meaning of the individual major grades of the German grading system:

• 1.0
  This grade denotes an excellence performance. It is awarded if the work evaluated is outstanding, flawless and near perfection. It exceeds the expectations and is particularly witty.
• 2.0
  This grade denotes a good performance. The work evaluated meets the expectations and fulfills the requirements well. It may contain some minor or formal errors.
• 3.0
  This grade denotes a satisfying performance. The work evaluated meets most of the expectations and fulfills the basic requirements. It contains some clear errors that should be corrected.
• 4.0
  This grade denotes a sufficient performance to pass the examination. The work evaluated fulfills the bare minimum but significantly more. It contains several clear errors that must be corrected.
• 5.0
  This grade denotes an insufficient performance. The work evaluated does not even fulfill the basic requirements and is not enough to pass the exam. It may also be awarded in case of cheating or plagiarism.

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