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The Danish 7-point scale (7-trinsskalaen)
Every part of PD3 — reading, writing and oral — is graded on the same national scale used across Danish education:
| Grade | Meaning | ECTS | Pass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Excellent (fremragende) | A | ✓ |
| 10 | Very good (fortrinlig) | B | ✓ |
| 7 | Good (god) | C | ✓ |
| 4 | Fair (jævn) | D | ✓ |
| 02 | Adequate (tilstrækkelig) | E | ✓ lowest pass |
| 00 | Inadequate (utilstrækkelig) | Fx | ✗ |
| -3 | Poor (ringe) | F | ✗ |
How your final PD3 grade is calculated
PD3 has three parts with different weights — and the oral counts double:
Example: Reading 4, Writing 02, Speaking 4 → (4 + 2 + 2 × 4) ÷ 4 = 3.5 — passed. The same grades with Speaking 00 → (4 + 2 + 0) ÷ 4 = 1.5 — failed. That asymmetry is why the oral exam deserves the most preparation time.
Try your own numbers in the interactive PD3 score calculator — including the minimum speaking grade you need given your reading and writing results.
One grade per part, not per task
Each of the three grades covers several sub-tasks (delprøver) — four reading tasks, two writing tasks and two oral parts — but they are combined into a single grade per part before the weighted average is worked out. A weak sub-task can therefore be offset inside the same part; only the oral grade carries double weight into the final average.
For the full task-by-task format — timings, aids permitted and what each task looks like — see the PD3 exam structure. Technique for the individual parts is covered in the writing guide and the oral guide.
What level is PD3? (Hvad svarer dansk 3 til?)
Prøve i Dansk 3 is Denmark's official B2-level exam on the CEFR scale (Den Fælles Europæiske Referenceramme):
| Exam | CEFR level | Course track |
|---|---|---|
| Prøve i Dansk 1 (PD1) | ≈ A2 | Danskuddannelse 1 (DU1) |
| Prøve i Dansk 2 (PD2) | B1 | Danskuddannelse 2 (DU2) |
| Prøve i Dansk 3 (PD3) | B2 | Danskuddannelse 3 (DU3) |
| Studieprøven | C1 | After DU3 |
At B2 you are expected to understand complex texts, write structured and nuanced Danish, and hold an extended conversation including abstract topics and argumentation. For the full comparison with PD2, see the PD2 vs PD3 differences.
What a passed PD3 lets you do
The certificate is the language documentation for several different things — and each one sets its own bar, which is why a bare pass is not always enough:
That last point is the one candidates underestimate: if PD3 is a stepping stone rather than a finish line, how well you pass can matter as much as passing. Aim above 02, not just past it. Immigration and admission rules change over time — always confirm the current requirement with nyidanmark.dk or the institution you are applying to.
Failed a part? Retakes
You only retake the parts you have not passed — your other results remain valid. Register for the retake with your exam centre before the normal registration deadline for the next sitting.
Know your score before exam day
Practise all three PD3 parts in the Bestå app — real exam-format reading sets, AI-graded writing against the marking criteria, and an oral exam simulator. Start free.
Free on iOS & Android
Related PD3 guides
Frequently asked questions
What grade do I need to pass PD3?
You pass PD3 with a weighted average of at least 2.0 across the three parts: (Reading + Writing + 2 × Speaking) ÷ 4. Each part is graded on the Danish 7-point scale (12, 10, 7, 4, 02, 00, -3).
Does the oral exam count more than the others?
Yes — oral communication counts double in the PD3 average, while reading and writing count once each. A strong oral grade can compensate for a weak written grade, and vice versa.
What level is PD3 — what does dansk 3 correspond to?
Prøve i Dansk 3 is Denmark's official B2-level exam on the CEFR scale. PD2 corresponds to B1, PD1 to roughly A2, and Studieprøven to C1.
Is 02 a passing grade?
Yes. On the Danish 7-point scale, 02 (adequate) is the lowest passing grade; 00 and -3 are failing grades. Note that a 02 in one part does not by itself guarantee you pass PD3 — the weighted average must reach 2.0.
Do I need a minimum grade in each part for citizenship?
In some contexts — for example Danish citizenship — authorities require each individual part to score at least 02, not just a passing average. Requirements change over time, so check nyidanmark.dk for the current rules that apply to you.
Can I get into a Danish university with PD3?
Usually not on PD3 alone. Danish higher education generally requires Studieprøven, the C1-level exam that sits above PD3. PD3 is the gateway to it — admission to a Studieprøve class typically expects strong PD3 grades, so a high PD3 result matters if university is your goal.
How many grades do I get for PD3?
Three — one for reading comprehension, one for written production, and one for oral communication. Each part contains several sub-tasks (delprøver), but they are combined into a single grade per part before the weighted average is calculated.