German word

zumindest

Pronunciation

IPA/tsuˈmɪndəst/

Meaning

  • adverbat least

Example

Er hat zumindest angerufen.

He did call, at least.

Illustration for zumindest (at least)

More examples

Das hilft zumindest ein bisschen.

That helps at least a little.

Core concept

A floor under a claim: even when stronger results are uncertain, one minimal fact still stands.

Common phrases

  • zumindest ein bisschen

    at least a bit

  • zumindest für mich

    at least for me

Similar words

wenigstens: Shows that a minimum was achieved, even if hopes were not fully met.
mindestens: States a numerical or measurable lower limit.
immerhin: Highlights a positive point despite an otherwise negative situation.

Definition in German

Drückt aus, dass etwas zumindest in einem minimalen Sinn gilt oder ausreicht.

Word origin

Zumindest developed from the phrase zu dem mindesten, meaning roughly 'to the least', with zu dem contracting to zum.

Usage tips

  • Zumindest often marks a minimal or concessive point, while mindestens more directly states a numerical or measurable lower bound.

Other meanings

  • if nothing elseadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word