German word

höchstens

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhøːçstəns/

Meaning

  • adverbat most

Example

Im Laden sind höchstens fünf Leute.

There are at most five people in the store.

Illustration for höchstens (at most)

More examples

Ich bleibe höchstens zehn Minuten.

I will stay for at most ten minutes.

Core concept

A maximum point beside a number, showing the largest acceptable amount.

Common phrases

  • höchstens fünf

    at most five

  • höchstens zehn Minuten

    at most ten minutes

Similar words

allenfalls: Indicates that an amount or outcome will not exceed a stated level.
maximal: Marks the highest possible or permitted amount, number, time, or degree.
allerhöchstens: Emphasizes that even a generous estimate cannot exceed the stated limit.

Definition in German

Eine obere Grenze angibt und besagt, dass etwas nicht mehr als eine bestimmte Menge ist.

Word origin

Höchstens developed from höchst, the superlative of hoch, and its -ens ending makes the form function adverbially.

Usage tips

  • Höchstens can also limit a degree, as in höchstens zwei Stunden or höchstens mittelmäßig, rather than only counting people or objects.

Opposites

Related words

  • höchstextremelyadverb
  • Höchstgrenzeupper limitnoun

Word lists with this word