Question: is grade d fail or pass?
Answer: ' The standard is a C or better, even though a 'D' is officially a passing grade. Technically, a 'D' is passing, but it's a sort of a we-don't-really-mean-it pass. A grudging pass, or perhaps a mercy pass. Or, it can be an “I don't ordinarily fail students, but you're testing my faith” pass.