"Germany's Top School Leavers Flood": Is there an issue regarding the highest examination grades in Germany?
In recent years, there has been a growing interest and discussion surrounding the attainment of the perfect school grade, known as the Abitur 1.0, in Germany. This trend is evident in the increasing number of online resources offering tips and shared experiences on mastering the Abitur with a 1.0 grade [1][4][5]. However, a clear upward trend in the frequency of perfect Abitur scores remains to be officially confirmed.
According to the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, the number of students with a 1.0 average in 2021 and 2022 saw a peak, but there has been a subsequent decrease in the following years of 2023 and 2024 [6]. This fluctuation suggests a complex picture of the trend, with regional variations also playing a significant role.
For instance, Hesse has witnessed an increase in the proportion of students achieving a 1.0 average in the Abitur, with 5.1% in the current year compared to 2.9% in 2020 [3]. On the other hand, Saxony has seen a decrease in the number of students with a 1.0 GPA this year [9].
The German Teachers' Association has expressed concern about the potential devaluation of the Abitur due to the increasing number of perfect grades. They argue that the Abitur should not just be a "qualification for study" but also a "qualification for study ability" [7].
The Union supports this view, stating that the Abitur is increasingly being devalued due to more students receiving better grades year after year [8]. The Left Party, however, advocates for the abolition of school grades entirely, with education spokesperson Nicole Gohlke stating that the focus should be on the quality of the education system rather than the number of top grades [2].
The Left Party's position on grades is incompatible with that of the Union and other parties, leading to ongoing debates about the implications for the education system. A rising number of perfect grades may indicate that exams or grading have become less rigorous, potentially undermining the value of the Abitur as a measure of academic excellence [1].
More students striving for a 1.0 result increase competition and possibly stress, affecting student well-being. As more students achieve top marks, universities might face challenges distinguishing the very best candidates, potentially leading to changes in admission criteria [1].
If access to resources that help achieve perfect grades is uneven, increasing numbers of 1.0 grades might highlight or widen social disparities [1]. The current data for the Abitur grade of 1.0 in this year (2025) is not yet available in all federal states [9].
In conclusion, while the search results do not provide direct statistical data or official confirmation about a clear upward trend in the frequency of perfect Abitur scores, the topic remains relevant in German education policy discussions, with concerns mainly centered on grade inflation, student pressure, and fairness [1][4][5]. The German Teachers' Association bases its analysis primarily on data that shows a significant increase in Abitur top grades since 2006. The future development of this trend and its impact on the education system will continue to be a matter of debate and concern.
Education-and-self-development resources online commonly provide tips for mastering the Abitur with a perfect score of 1.0, but the official confirmation of a clear upward trend in perfect scores remains elusive. General-news articles discuss the increasing competition and potential stress that more students striving for a 1.0 result may bring to student well-being, as well as concerns over grade inflation and fairness in the education system.
