German word

mindestens

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɪndəstn̩s/

Meaning

  • adverbat least

Example

Er wartet mindestens zehn Minuten.

He waits for at least ten minutes.

Illustration for mindestens (at least)

More examples

Es müssen mindestens zwei Personen anwesend sein.

At least two people must be present.

Core concept

A measuring scale with a bold minimum mark and unlimited space above it.

Common phrases

  • mindestens einmal

    at least once

  • mindestens zehn Minuten

    at least ten minutes

  • mindestens zwei Personen

    at least two people

Similar words

wenigstens: Indicates that a minimum standard is met, even if expectations were higher.
zumindest: Marks the minimum that can safely be said to apply, despite some uncertainty.

Definition in German

mindestens bedeutet, dass etwas nicht weniger als eine angegebene Menge oder Zeit ist.

Word origin

The adverb developed from "mindest", an old superlative related to "minder", and the adverbial ending "-ens".

Usage tips

  • Mindestens also appears in comparisons such as "mindestens so groß wie", meaning that the first item reaches or exceeds the stated standard.

Other meanings

  • at a minimumadverb
  • if nothing elseadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word