höchstens

Höchstens is a German adverb meaning at most or no more than. It is used to express an upper bound for quantity, duration, price, or degree, indicating that something cannot exceed a stated limit.

The word is formed from hoch meaning high, with the suffix -stens, which creates a superlative adverb. In use, höchtsens marks the maximal value allowed or expected in a given context. It typically accompanies numerals or expressions of quantity or time.

Common usage examples include: Es kostet höchstens 20 Euro. Der Aufenthalt dauert höchstens zwei Stunden. Wir dürfen höchstens drei Gäste empfangen. Bei diesem Vertrag sind höchstens zwei Klauseln relevant. Höchstens can also modify verbs in phrases like Wir bleiben höchstens drei Tage, which sets a ceiling on duration.

Höchstens contrasts with mindestens, which means at least or no less than, establishing a lower bound. Related phrases include nicht mehr als and bis zu; however, bis zu allows a range up to a limit and can be less definite about whether the upper bound is reached, whereas höchstens implies a firm upper limit.

In German, höchtsens is a standard, widely used term in everyday language as well as in formal or technical contexts. It appears in discussions of budgets, schedules, capacities, or legal provisions where an explicit maximum is intended.