weniger
[ˈveːniɡɐ]
In German, 'less' is translated as weniger.
The word weniger is used as an adverb to indicate something occurs to a smaller extent or degree. It can also function as a determiner meaning 'not as much'.
Meaning: to a smaller extent or degree (adv)
Which one should you use?
When you want to say 'less than' to make a comparison, use the phrase weniger als. While 'als' is used for 'than' in many other comparative contexts, the full phrase weniger als is required here.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike in English, which distinguishes between 'less' (uncountable) and 'fewer' (countable), the German word weniger is used for both uncountable nouns, such as water and countable nouns, such as people.
Did you know?
- When Germans say weniger ist mehr, they are often referencing the influence of the Bauhaus movement and modernism on German design.
- While weniger means 'less', Germans often use the word knapp to describe a quantity that is just barely enough or 'less' than required in a stressful way.
- In very formal or older German texts, you might see weniger replaced by geringer when referring to a lower value or a smaller amount of money.
Examples in context
- Er hat weniger Brot.He has less bread.This sentence shows how to use weniger with a noun.Tatoeba #511233 by al_ex_an_der, translation #434902 by lukaszpp
- Es ist einer weniger.There is one less.This sentence demonstrates the use of weniger when referring to a quantity of one.Tatoeba #1712841 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1635525 by Amastan
- Ich habe weniger als du.I have less than you have.This sentence illustrates a comparison using weniger.Tatoeba #10669724 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9510201 by sundown
- Wir müssen weniger Geld ausgeben.We need to spend less money.
- Er möchte weniger arbeiten.He wants to work less.
- Die Produktion sollte weniger Energie verbrauchen.The production should consume less energy.
- Die Anzahl der Teilnehmer war geringer als erwartet.The number of participants was lower than expected.
- Die Kosten sollten geringer werden.The costs should become lower.
- Ich möchte weniger Stress haben.I want to have less stress.
- Kannst du weniger Lärm machen?Can you make less noise?
- Ich hätte gerne ein bisschen weniger Salz im Essen.I would like a little less salt in the food.
- Der geringere PreisThe lower price
- 425 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are discussing their work schedule.
- FelixIch muss heute weniger arbeiten.I have to work less today.
- HannahDas klingt gut, Felix.That sounds good, Felix.
- FelixJa, ich habe weniger Termine.Yes, I have fewer appointments.
- HannahDann genieße deine Freizeit.Then enjoy your free time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “less” translations and entries weniger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
