Germany uses a 6-point grading scale (GPA) to evaluate the performance of school children:
1 (sehr gut, excellent) is the best possible grade and is given for outstanding performance
2 (gut, good) is the next-highest and is given for performance that meets the standard completely and is above-average
3 (befriedigend, satisfactory) indicates "average" performance.
4 (ausreichend, sufficient) is the lowest passing grade and is given if the standard has been met but with a number of notable errors.
5 (mangelhaft, deficient) is the higher of two failing grades and is given if the standard has not been met but the basics have been understood.
6 (ungenügend, insufficient) is the lowest possible grade and is given if the standard has not been met and the basics have not been understood.