What was the average grade in IB German B in May 2026?

The mean grade was 5.5 at HL and 5.1 at SL, according to the IB's provisional bulletin for May 2026. HL candidates scored higher on average, though the data does not explain why.

Did German B results change compared with May 2025?

Only slightly. The HL mean moved from 5.6 in May 2025 to 5.5 in May 2026, while the SL mean stayed at 5.1. These are small differences and may reflect cohort changes.

How many candidates earned a 7 in German B?

In May 2026, 18.3% of HL candidates and 13% of SL candidates earned a grade 7. These are shares of each level's candidates, not head counts.

IB subject statistics

IB German B grade distribution and average grade, May 2026

By Michael Thompson - Head of Teaching Excellence; 15 years as an IB Coordinator

Published 5 October 2026Data: IB Diploma Programme provisional statistical bulletin, May 2026

Short answer: In May 2026, IB German B students averaged 5.5 at HL (1,889 students) and 5.1 at SL (2,387). 18.3% of HL and 13.0% of SL students scored a 7, and the most common grade was 6 at HL and 5 at SL.

This page looks at IB German B in the May 2026 session, using the IB's official statistical bulletin. The data covers 1,889 HL candidates and 2,387 SL candidates. The May 2026 figures come from the IB's provisional bulletin, and a final version follows later in the year, so small changes are possible.

Below we explain what the mean grade and the grade distribution say about how the subject is scored, how HL and SL differ, how results compare with May 2025, and what this could mean for your choices and preparation.

Key figures

Level	Students	Mean grade	Share of 7s	vs May 2025
HL	1,889	5.5	18.3%	-0.1
SL	2,387	5.1	13.0%	no change

Grade distribution, May 2026

Grade distribution, May 2026
Grade	Higher Level	Standard Level
1	0.0%	0.0%
2	0.0%	1.3%
3	4.0%	8.7%
4	15.3%	18.3%
5	25.7%	31.3%
6	35.9%	26.4%
7	18.3%	13.0%

Grade 1-7, % of studentsHigher LevelStandard Level

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Mean grades in May 2026

The mean grade was 5.5 at HL and 5.1 at SL. Both sit comfortably above the middle of the 1-7 scale, so German B is a subject where most candidates land on a 5, 6 or 7. HL candidates scored higher on average than SL candidates. This is a comparison of results, not proof of why. HL and SL cohorts can differ in prior language experience, study time and motivation, and the data here cannot separate these factors.

How the grades were distributed

The distribution values are shares of all candidates at each level. At HL, grade 6 was the largest single share at 35.9%, followed by grade 5 at 25.7% and grade 7 at 18.3%. Grade 4 accounted for 15.3% and grade 3 for 4%, with 0% at grades 1 and 2. Grades 6 and 7 together make up more than half of HL candidates. At SL, grade 5 was the largest share at 31.3%, followed by grade 6 at 26.4%, grade 4 at 18.3% and grade 7 at 13%. Grade 3 was 8.7% and grade 2 was 1.3%, with 0% at grade 1. Adding grades 5, 6 and 7 gives most SL candidates, but the SL spread is wider towards the lower grades than at HL.

HL vs SL: the top grades

The share of candidates earning a 7 was 18.3% at HL and 13% at SL. These are shares of each level, not head counts, and with 1,889 HL and 2,387 SL candidates the two groups differ in size. The HL distribution is shifted towards 6 and 7, while the SL distribution is centred on 5. One possible reason is that HL attracts candidates who are already confident in German, but the bulletin does not tell us who chooses which level.

Change from May 2025

The HL mean grade moved from 5.6 in May 2025 to 5.5 in May 2026, a slight dip. The SL mean grade was 5.1 in both sessions, so it did not change. Movements of this size are small, and they are not a strong signal that the subject has become harder or easier. Cohort composition can shift from one May session to the next.

What this means for choice and preparation

German B can reward steady preparation: a grade 5 or above was reached by most candidates at both levels. At SL, the typical outcome is a 5, so pushing from 5 to 6 is where gains are most likely to come from consistent practice across all skills. At HL, a 6 is the typical outcome, and a 7 comes from polishing accuracy, range and depth. If you are choosing between levels, consider your current confidence in German and your other subjects, rather than the mean grade alone, since HL carries a heavier workload.

Key takeaways

May 2026 mean grade: 5.5 at HL (1,889 candidates) and 5.1 at SL (2,387 candidates).
HL peaks at grade 6 (35.9%); SL peaks at grade 5 (31.3%).
A grade 7 was awarded to 18.3% of HL candidates and 13% of SL candidates.
Compared with May 2025, the HL mean dipped from 5.6 to 5.5, and the SL mean stayed at 5.1.
These are provisional figures; the final bulletin follows later in the year.

Frequently asked questions

What was the average grade in IB German B in May 2026?: The mean grade was 5.5 at HL and 5.1 at SL, according to the IB's provisional bulletin for May 2026. HL candidates scored higher on average, though the data does not explain why.
Did German B results change compared with May 2025?: Only slightly. The HL mean moved from 5.6 in May 2025 to 5.5 in May 2026, while the SL mean stayed at 5.1. These are small differences and may reflect cohort changes.
How many candidates earned a 7 in German B?: In May 2026, 18.3% of HL candidates and 13% of SL candidates earned a grade 7. These are shares of each level's candidates, not head counts.