Noten
/ˈnoːtn̩/
The German word for "grades" is Noten.
Noten refers to the letters or numbers used to evaluate a student's performance in a course. It is important to note that in German, Noten is the same word used for musical notes. In the German grading system, the scale typically ranges from 1 to 6, where 1 is the highest possible grade and 6 is the lowest. Grades 1 through 4 are considered passing, while 5 and 6 are failing grades.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is Note, while the plural form is Noten. When using the plural form with a definite article, use the feminine article die Noten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnoːtn̩/
Did you know?
- In German schools, a grade of ausreichend means 'sufficient' and is the lowest possible passing grade. It is often perceived as a mild insult, implying the student did the absolute bare minimum to avoid failure.
- Because Noten also means musical notes, a German speaker might joke about 'playing the wrong notes' when they perform poorly on a test.
- The word Noten is used in the phrase Noten kaufen, which literally means 'to buy grades'. This is a common colloquialism for bribery or cheating in an academic context.
Examples in context
- Tom hat gute Noten.Tom has good grades.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has good grades.Tatoeba #6985682 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6985068 by Hybrid
- Hast du gute Noten bekommen?Did you get good grades?This sentence is useful for asking if someone received good grades.Tatoeba #12661789 by Waldelfe, translation #12438619 by CK
- Er ist stolz auf seine guten Noten.He's proud of his good grades.This sentence is useful for expressing pride in one's good grades.Tatoeba #780493 by BraveSentry, translation #300326 by CK
- Welche Note haben Sie bekommen?What grade did you receive?
- Wie hoch war dein Notenschnitt im letzten Semester?What was your grade point average last semester?
- Welche Schulnote hast du in Mathe bekommen?What grade did you get in math?
- Ich habe eine sehr gute Note bekommenI received a very good grade
- Sie hat eine sehr schlechte Note in Chemie bekommen.She got a very bad grade in chemistry.
- Wie war deine Note in Deutsch?What grade did you get in German?
- Ich habe eine zwei bekommen.I received a two.
- Wie hoch war dein Notenschnitt?What was your grade point average?
- Mein Notenschnitt war 1,8.My grade point average was 1.8.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their recent school reports.
- JuliaWie waren deine Noten in Mathe?How were your grades in math?
- LukasMeine Noten waren eigentlich ziemlich gut.My grades were actually quite good.
- JuliaDas freut mich für dich, Lukas!I'm happy for you, Lukas!
- LukasDanke, aber in Kunst sind meine Noten schlecht.Thanks, but my grades in art are bad.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Noten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
