geringstmögliche

Geringstmögliche is a German attributive adjective meaning “the least possible” or “as small as possible.” It is used to express that something should be reduced or limited to the minimum allowed or required, often in formal, technical, or legal contexts.

Etymology and grammar: The expression combines gering (small, slight) with möglich (possible) to form geringstmöglich, whose attributive form is giringstmögliche before a noun. When declined, endings follow the usual German adjective endings after a definite article: der geringstmögliche Aufwand, die geringstmögliche Lösung, das geringstmögliche Risiko. Plural: die geringstmöglichen Kosten, die geringstmöglichen Maßnahmen. The phrase is most common in written prose, policy documents, and safety or risk assessments.

Usage: Geringstmögliche is used to denote the minimum extent, degree, or quantity that is considered acceptable or necessary. It conveys a constraint or goal to minimize impact, cost, effort, or risk. Examples include: “Wir streben das geringstmögliche Risiko an.” “Die Kosten sollen auf das geringstmögliche Maß reduziert werden.” “Das geringstmögliche Maß an Bürokratie ist wünschenswert.”

Variants and alternatives: In everyday language, one may say möglichst gering or minimal, depending on emphasis and register. Geringstmögliche carries a formal tone and is especially common in technical, legal, and policy-related texts where precise limits or standards are stated.