minimaler

Minimaler is a German adjective formed from minimal. It denotes something as small or limited as possible and is used as a modifier before a noun in a wide range of contexts, including everyday language, science, engineering, and economics. As a grammatical form, minimaler changes its ending according to gender, number, and case.

Inflection notes are a practical guide to its use. Masculine singular nominative after an indefinite article: ein minimaler Aufwand. Masculine singular accusative: einen minimalen Aufwand. Feminine singular: eine minimale Leistung. Neuter singular: ein minimales Beispiel. Plural: minimale Kosten. After definite articles or in weak declension: der minimale Aufwand, die minimale Leistung, das minimale Beispiel, die minimalen Kosten. In the dative: mit minimalem Aufwand, mit minimalen Kosten. In the genitive: eines minimalen Aufwands, einer minimalen Leistung. These endings illustrate German adjective declension patterns with and without definite articles.

Usage context and nuance: minimaler expresses the notion of “as little as possible” or “at the smallest extent.” It is common in technical and formal registers when specifying limits, constraints, or efficiency targets, but it remains a normal adjective and follows standard capitalization rules (lowercase unless at sentence start).

Etymology: minimaler derives from the root minimal, itself from Latin minimum, via German adaptations. The form is part of a broader family of adjectives that describe degree or extent and are routinely declined to match the noun they modify.