The name of the indicator is related to the tradition of dual education systems in Germany. The indicator therefore includes both tertiary degrees corresponding to ISCED levels 5 to 8 and ISCED level 4 degrees. Germany has the following tertiary degrees: Degrees from universities, universities of applied sciences and administrative colleges, vocational and technical academies, master craftsman and technician degrees, other degrees from technical colleges and from training centers for educators.

The federal government has set a target of at least 55 percent of 30-34 year-olds holding a tertiary degree by 2030.

For indicators without a set baseline by the German Sustainability Strategy, 2030Watch uses the 2008 baseline of the EU2020 Strategy.

This is an official indicator of the German Sustainability Strategy.