The Danish grading scale will be overhauled under a government proposal presented in Copenhagen on 6 November 2025, replacing the current seven-step model with eight steps and removing the -3 (minus) grade.
The plan also introduces a 12‑star distinction for exceptional performance and is slated to roll out from school year 2030–31 across youth and adult education, with a later start for primary and higher education. The announcement was made by Children and Education Minister (Børne- og undervisningsminister) Mathias Tesfaye (S), Higher Education and Science Minister (Uddannelses- og forskningsminister) Christina Egelund (M), and Minister for Cities and Rural Districts (minister for byer og landdistrikter) Morten Dahlin (V).
What changes: eight steps and a 12‑star distinction
Under the proposal, grades would be: 00, 01, 02, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12. The controversial -3 grade disappears, while assessors may award 12★ to mark an extraordinary achievement. According to the government, the star is a recognition, not a separate grade, and does not affect the GPA. The mid‑range gains two additional rungs (6 and 8) to narrow the leaps between current 4–7–10.
Why now: narrowing gaps and ending the ‘minus’ penalty
Ministers argue the reform is meant to curb a zero‑error culture, encourage curiosity and engagement, and address concerns that large mid‑scale jumps distort results. Business‑sector analyses and earlier expert work have highlighted how uneven grade intervals can amplify social differences and make small improvements hard to reflect. Removing -3 is also intended to reduce the demotivating signal sent by a negative score.
Student organisations warn over ECTS comparability
The main student unions for upper‑secondary and business‑college students warn that an eight‑step scale could complicate conversion to the ECTS framework used internationally. They argue that pupils on IB programmes or planning to study abroad may face harder cross‑border comparisons. The government says details will be clarified in talks with parties and education providers.
Implementation timeline and next steps
The reform will be tabled formally after political negotiations. The target start is August 2030 for youth and adult education, followed by primary schools and higher education a year later. Transition rules, grade conversion tables, and communication to universities abroad will be essential to avoid uncertainty for applicants during the changeover.
If adopted, the Danish grading scale reform would deliver eight clearer steps, remove the minus grade, and add a 12‑star marker for outstanding work. The success of the change will hinge on implementation, international compatibility, and whether it improves student well‑being without creating new barriers for those seeking to study abroad.
