mindestens
/ˈmɪndəstəns/
The English phrase "at least" can be translated into German using mindestens, zumindest or wenigstens depending on the context.
Meaning: at a lower limit (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| mindestens | /ˈmɪndəstəns/ |
| zumindest | /t͡suˈmɪndəst/ |
| wenigstens | [ˈveːnɪçstn̩s] (narrow) |
mindestens is used to denote a lower limit, particularly for mathematical or statistical minimums, such as saying "at least five people".
Which one should you use?
The choice between these forms depends on what you are trying to convey. Use mindestens when referring to a minimum numerical quantity or a measurable limit. Use zumindest to mean "at any rate" or "at least in this respect" when you are making a concession or a partial point. Use wenigstens to express "at least" in a way that emphasizes a small positive aspect in a bad situation.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɪndəstəns/
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says wenigstens with a rising intonation at the end of a sentence, it can turn a statement of fact into a sarcastic remark about a poor consolation prize.
- In some German dialects, speakers use wenigstens to express a sense of 'at the very least' that implies a moral obligation or a basic standard of decency.
- In highly formal German legal texts, mindestens is often replaced by the phrase nicht weniger als to avoid any possible ambiguity regarding the lower limit.
Examples in context
- Zumindest lebe ich noch.At least I'm still alive.This sentence shows how to use zumindest to make a concession.Tatoeba #2669555 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3417533 by CK
- Er kann wenigstens lesen.At least he can read.This sentence demonstrates using wenigstens to highlight a small positive point.Tatoeba #2796343 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12231461 by sundown
- Er ist mindestens vierzig.He's at least forty.This sentence illustrates mindestens being used for a numerical minimum.Tatoeba #2049526 by al_ex_an_der, translation #9926478 by sundown
- Ich habe wenigstens 30 Minuten für die Präsentation eingeplant.I have allocated at least 30 minutes for the presentation.
- Wenigstens konnten wir die wichtigsten Themen diskutieren.At least we were able to discuss the main topics.
- Der Kunde sollte zumindest über grundlegende Kenntnisse verfügen.The customer should have at least basic knowledge.
- Zumindest müssen wir bis zur nächsten Woche warten.At least we have to wait until next week.
- Das Essen war schrecklich, aber wenigstens hatten wir nette Gesellschaft.The food was terrible, but at least we had good company.
- Er hat seinen Zug verpasst, aber wenigstens kann er später fahren.He missed his train, but at least he can catch a later one.
- Ich habe mindestens fünf Stunden geschlafen.I slept for at least five hours.
- Mindestens drei Personen müssen anwesend sein.At least three people need to be present.
- Das kostet mindestens zehn Euro.That costs at least ten euros.
- Es ist kalt, aber wenigstens regnet es nicht.It is cold, but at least it isn't raining.
- 532 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are discussing the duration of a movie.
- JuliaWie lange dauert der Film?How long does the movie last?
- LukasEr dauert mindestens zwei Stunden.It lasts at least two hours.
- JuliaLukas, dann müssen wir uns beeilen.Lukas, then we have to hurry.
- LukasKeine Sorge, Julia, wir schaffen das.Don't worry, Julia, we can make it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at least” translations and entries mindestens, zumindest, wenigstens, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
