Dutch grading system

The Dutch ten-point grading system may be different to what you are used to. 

Handy Dutch words and phrases

  • onvoldoende – unsatisfactory / fail
  • punt - mark
  • voldoende – satisfactory / pass

A grade of 10 is the highest and 1 is the lowest. The minimum pass grade is 6. If marks are awarded with one decimal point, the pass mark is 5.5 as grades are rounded (so a 5.5 becomes a 6, but a 5.4 becomes a 5).

Grade     Meaning

10           Outstanding * (uitstekend)

 9            Very good * (zeer goed)

 8            Good (goed)

 7            More than satisfactory (ruim voldoende)

 6            Satisfactory (voldoende)

 5            Almost satisfactory (bijna voldoende)

 4            Unsatisfactory (onvoldoende)

 3            Very unsatisfactory * (matig)

 2            Poor * (slecht)

 1            Very Poor * (zeer slecht)

* The grades 1-3 are hardly ever awarded and grades 9 and 10 are rare.