📊 The Danish 7-Point Grading Scale
The Danish 7-point grading scale is used for all official exams, including PD3. It replaced the old 13-scale in 2007 and is designed to be comparable to the ECTS grading system.
| Grade | Description | ECTS Equivalent | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Excellent – outstanding performance | A | Pass |
| 10 | Very good – fine performance | B | Pass |
| 7 | Good – average performance | C | Pass |
| 4 | Fair – somewhat mediocre performance | D | Pass |
| 02 | Adequate – just meets minimum requirements | E | Pass |
| 00 | Inadequate – does not meet minimum requirements | Fx | Fail |
| -3 | Unacceptable – completely inadequate | F | Fail |
Source: Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science
✅ How the PD3 Pass Mark Works
You get three grades – reading, written and oral – and pass if your average is at least 2.0. The oral grade counts double:
(reading + written + 2 × oral) ÷ 4 ≥ 2.0
Example (from the official description): reading 4, written 7 and oral 10 gives (4 + 7 + 20) ÷ 4 = 7.75, shown as 7.8.
What does 02 actually mean?
Grade 02 means the performance is adequate, meeting the minimum acceptable standard for the B2 level. Characteristics of a 02 performance:
- Reading: Understands main ideas but may miss some details or nuances.
- Written: Communicates the message, but with noticeable errors in grammar and vocabulary that do not completely hinder understanding.
- Oral: Can maintain a conversation on familiar topics and follow the examiner, but with hesitation, limited vocabulary, and some pronunciation issues that occasionally require clarification.
⚠️ Important:
Because the result is an average, one weak grade can be balanced by stronger ones – especially a strong oral grade, which counts double. But some purposes set their own minimum per part: for example, nurses educated outside the EU/EEA need at least 10 in oral and 7 in reading and written for Danish authorisation.
📋 What Each Part Is Graded On
Each of the three parts gets its own grade, and together they make up your average. Here's what examiners look for:
Reading
- Understand main ideas in complex texts
- Identify author's opinion and purpose
- Follow arguments and conclusions
- Answer both multiple-choice and open questions
Written
- Clear structure (introduction, body, conclusion)
- Coherent arguments with examples
- Appropriate vocabulary and connectors
- Grammatical accuracy (word order, en/et)
Oral (counts double)
- Understand and respond to the examiner's questions
- Fluency with minimal hesitation
- Clear pronunciation (soft D, stød, vowels)
- Express and defend opinions
- Interactive skills (responding, turn-taking)
For more details on assessment, see What examiners look for.
🎓 PD3 for University and College Admission
Passing PD3 with an average of 2.0 is not always enough for further education. Danish-language programmes set their own language requirements, and they differ between institutions and programmes:
- Many university programmes ask for Studieprøven (or Danish at A level) rather than PD3.
- Others accept PD3, sometimes with extra conditions – for example, some institutions require at least 02 in every part, not just a passing average.
Always check the admission page of the specific programme you are applying to before you plan your exam.
📝 What Each Grade Looks Like (Writing Examples)
Here are examples of responses to the same task at different grade levels:
Task: Write a short essay about the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.
Grade 12 (Excellent)
"Arbejde hjemmefra er blevet mere udbredt efter pandemien. Der er betydelige fordele: fleksibilitet, sparet transporttid, og mulighed for fordybelse. Alligevel må man ikke overse ulemperne: social isolation, svært ved at adskille arbejde og fritid, og manglende kollegial sparring. For mig er en hybridløsning ideel, da den kombinerer det bedste fra begge verdener. Sammenfattende kræver hjemmearbejde selvdisciplin, men kan være givende, hvis det tilrettelægges rigtigt."
Why: Nuanced argument, advanced vocabulary, varied connectors, clear structure.
Grade 7 (Good)
"At arbejde hjemmefra har både fordele og ulemper. Fordelene er, at man sparer tid på transport og kan arbejde i sit eget tempo. Ulemperne er, at man kan føle sig ensom, og det er svært at holde fri. Jeg synes, det er godt at arbejde hjemmefra nogle dage og på kontoret andre dage. På den måde får man det bedste fra begge sider."
Why: Clear structure, good points, but simpler vocabulary and fewer connectors.
Grade 02 (Adequate – Pass)
"Jeg arbejder hjemmefra nogle gange. Det er godt, fordi jeg kan sove længere. Men det er også svært, fordi jeg savner mine kolleger. Jeg tror, at det er bedst at arbejde på kontoret, fordi man kan snakke med andre. Arbejde hjemmefra er okay, men ikke altid."
Why: Communicates basic ideas, but limited vocabulary, simple sentences, and some repetition. Still passes because the message is understandable.
❓ Common Questions About PD3 Scoring
If I just pass with an average around 2, can I still get into university?
It depends on the programme. Many Danish-taught university programmes require Studieprøven instead of PD3, and some that accept PD3 require at least 02 in every part. Check the programme's admission requirements, and aim well above the minimum if you plan to study in Danish.
What happens if I get a low grade in one part?
You don't automatically fail. The pass is based on your average of at least 2.0, with oral counting double, so a strong oral or written grade can make up for a weak one. If your average is below 2.0, ask your test centre about re-registering for the next exam session.
Is there a grade average requirement for citizenship?
For Danish citizenship, you need to pass PD3 or Studieprøven. Check the Ministry of Immigration and Integration (uim.dk) for the current conditions, as citizenship rules change.
Can I appeal my grade?
Yes, you can request a re-evaluation within a certain period (usually 2 weeks). Contact your language school for the procedure. Note that your grade can also be lowered upon re-evaluation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is 02 a good grade?
02 is the minimum passing grade. It means your performance was adequate but just barely meeting the requirements. It's enough to pass the exam, but for most practical purposes (jobs, university), you'll want a higher grade.
How is the overall grade calculated?
You get three grades (reading, written, oral). The overall result is their average with oral counting double – (reading + written + 2 × oral) ÷ 4 – and you need at least 2.0 to pass.
What is the equivalent of 02 in ECTS?
02 corresponds to ECTS grade E, which is the lowest passing grade in the European system.
Do I need a certain grade for permanent residence?
No, for permanent residence you only need to pass PD2. PD3 is not required for permanent residence, but if you take PD3, passing (02) is sufficient.