wenigstens

Wenigstens is a German adverb meaning at least. It is used to indicate a minimum or lower bound in a statement, often with a tone of consolation, relief, or mild insistence. It can appear at the end of a clause or after the finite verb, as in “Es hat wenigstens nicht geregnet” or “Wir haben wenigstens noch Zeit.”

Etymology and form: Wenigstens is formed from the adjective wenig (little, few) with the adverbial suffix -stens, a pattern seen in other common German adverbs like meistens or letztens. The word is well established in standard German and is primarily colloquial or semi-formal in tone.

Usage and nuance: Wenigstens is usually contrasted with mindestens and zumindest. Mindestens sets a numerical or quantitative minimum, as in mindestens zehn Personen. Zumindest conveys a minimum condition or consolation in a broader sense, similar to “at least.” Wenigstens tends to carry a more subjective or emotional nuance, often expressing relief that something is true or acceptable despite other shortcomings. It is common in everyday speech and less frequent in formal writing, where zumindest or mindestens may be preferred depending on the context.

Examples:

- Es hat wenigstens nicht geschneit.

- Wir haben wenigstens noch Zeit.

- Wenigstens hat er angerufen.

See also: mindestens, zumindest.