The DQR describes eight competence levels to which qualifications of the German education system can be referenced. Each level is preceded by a short text which describes the requirements structure of the respective level. This “level indicator” describes the general requirements which must be met if a qualification at the corresponding level has been acquired. The primary concern here is the extent to which the individual achieving the level is able to manage complexity and unforeseen change, and the level of independence with which they are able to act in a field of occupational activity or in an academic subject.

The area of professional competence is concerned with the breadth and depth to which knowledge has been acquired and the level to which the skills of the individual achieving the level have been developed. This refers to the ability to use and develop tools and methods. This also includes the ability to assess work results.

Personal competence includes social aspects: teamwork skills, leadership ability, the ability to manage one’s own learning or working environment, and communication skills. This also includes autonomy and responsibility, the capacity for reflection, and learning competency.

The DQR differentiates between eight levels for the general description of competences which can be acquired in the German education system.

Level 1:
Describes competences for the fulfilment of simple requirements within a clearly and well-structured field of study or work. Fulfilment of tasks takes place under supervision.

Level 2:
Describes competences for the fulfilment of basic requirements within a clearly and well-structured field of study or work. Fulfilment of tasks takes place largely under supervision.

Level 3:
Describes competences for the autonomous fulfilment of technical requirements within field of study or field of occupational activity which remains clear whilst being openly structured in some areas.

Level 4:
Describes competences for the autonomous planning and processing of technical tasks assigned within a comprehensive field of study or field of occupational activity which is subject to change.

Level 5:
Describes competences for the autonomous planning and processing of wide-ranging technical tasks assigned within a complex and specialised field of study or field of occupational activity which is subject to change.

Level 6:
Describes competences for the planning, processing and evaluation of comprehensive technical tasks and problems and of competences for autonomous management of processes in sub-areas of a technical specialism or in a field of occupational activity. The structure of requirements is characterised by complexity and frequent changes.

Level 7:
Describes competences for the processing of new, complex tasks and problems and for the autonomous management of processes in a technical specialism or in a strategy-oriented field of occupational activity. The requirement structure is characterised by frequent and unpredictable changes.

Level 8:
Describes the competences for obtaining research findings in a technical specialism or for the development of innovative solutions and processes in a field of occupational activity. The requirement structure is characterised by new and unclear problem situations.