adverb

wenigstens

at least · least

Man benutzt dieses Wort, wenn man ausdrücken will, dass etwas zwar nicht perfekt ist, aber besser als nichts.

The German word "wenigstens" is an adverb that means "at least". It is derived from "wenig" which means "little" or "few". "Wenigstens" is often used to indicate a minimum expectation or consolation.

Similar words in German include "mindestens" (at least, in terms of quantity), "zumindest" (at least, indicating a minimal condition), and "immerhin" (at least, to denote some consolation).

Differences between these words:

"Wenigstens" often denotes a minimal positive outcome or effort within a context.
"Mindestens" generally quantifies the minimum requirement, e.g., "mindestens zwei Stunden" ("at least two hours").
"Zumindest" is more about minimal conditions but has a similar usage context as "wenigstens". It might be more interchangeable with "wenigstens".
"Immerhin" implies some degree of acknowledgment or consolation, like "even so" or "after all."

Each term has subtle distinctions, but all convey expectations or conditions of varying lowest degree.