German word

immerhin

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɪmɐˌhɪn/

Meaning

  • adverbat least

Example

Das ist immerhin besser als nichts.

That is at least better than nothing.

Illustration for immerhin (at least)

More examples

Sie hat immerhin geholfen.

She helped, at least.

Core concept

A modest bright spot that supports a positive judgment despite unmet expectations.

Common phrases

  • immerhin besser

    better, at least

Similar words

wenigstens: Offers reassurance by pointing out that something worthwhile remains despite limited results.
zumindest: Marks the minimum fact or condition that still holds.
mindestens: Sets a lower limit for a number, amount, duration, or level.

Definition in German

Ausdrückt, dass etwas wenigstens vorhanden ist oder trotz Einschränkungen als positiv angesehen werden kann.

Word origin

Immerhin is a German compound of immer and hin whose meaning developed from the older combination into the modern senses 'at least' and 'nevertheless'.

Usage tips

  • Immerhin can soften criticism by acknowledging a benefit, while wenigstens more neutrally emphasizes the minimum that is present.

Other meanings

  • neverthelessadverb
  • after alladverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word