at best
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at best
Expresses what will happen in the most favorable or positive case. It is often associated with a limitation or not very high expectations.
Wenn wir jetzt losfahren, kommen wir bestenfalls pünktlich zum Termin.
If we leave now, we'll arrive on time for the appointment at best.
'Bestenfalls' (at best) is made up of 'besten' (superlative of 'gut' (good)) and 'Falls' (genitive of 'der Fall' (the case)). So it literally means 'in the best case'.
Bestenfalls sind wir in einer Stunde da.
At best, we'll be there in an hour.
As an adverb, 'bestenfalls' (at best) can stand in position 1, which triggers inversion (verb before subject). But it can also stand inside the sentence after the verb and subject.
Bestenfalls schaffen wir heute noch die Hälfte der Arbeit.
At best, we'll still manage half of the work today.
This word often expresses a realistic or even slightly pessimistic expectation. It emphasizes that the stated result is the maximum and may not even be achieved.
Für diesen Preis bekommen Sie bestenfalls ein gebrauchtes Fahrrad in gutem Zustand.
For that price, you'll get a used bicycle in good condition at best.
at most
Höchstens and bestenfalls can both express low expectations. Höchstens sets an upper limit, while bestenfalls states the outcome of the most favorable course of events, often despite generally low hopes. Use höchstens for a limit and bestenfalls for the best-case scenario.
Für den Test brauche ich bestenfalls zwei Stunden, wenn alles glattgeht.
At best, I need two hours for the test if everything goes smoothly.
Für den Test brauche ich höchstens zwei Stunden.
I need at most two hours for the test.
