01
gering
low / slight
Little or small with regard to quantity, extent, degree, or intensity.
example
Die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Gewinns ist bei dieser Lotterie nur sehr gering.
The probability of winning in this lottery is only very low.
gering
low / slight
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Meanings
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Usage tips
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The word 'gering' (low/slight) is often used in written language, in formal contexts, or in technical language. It often sounds more formal than other words for 'klein' (small) or 'wenig' (little/few).
EXAMPLE
Der Schaden am Fahrzeug war nur gering.
The damage to the vehicle was only slight.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'wenig' (little/few) or 'klein' (small), 'gering' (low/slight) is often combined with abstract nouns, such as 'geringes Risiko' (low risk), 'geringe Menge' (small amount), 'geringer Aufwand' (little effort), or 'geringes Interesse' (little interest).
EXAMPLE
Da das Risiko gering ist, werden wir es versuchen.
Since the risk is low, we will try it.
Fixed expression
The expression 'nicht im Geringsten' means 'not at all'. It is used for strong negation and can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin nicht im Geringsten müde.
I am not in the slightest bit tired.
Compare with
gering vs groß
big / great
'groß' and 'gering' form a contrast when talking about quantity, extent, strength, or importance. In this sense, 'groß' means a lot, strong, or important. 'gering' means little, weak, or not very important. 'gering' is used more in factual contexts, for example with costs, risk, chances, or damage. In everyday language, people often say 'klein' for ordinary things, but with quantities and risks, 'gering' sounds more precise.
gering
Heute war das Risiko bei der Arbeit nur gering.
Today, the risk at work was only low.
groß
Nach dem Sturm war der Schaden am Dach sehr groß.
After the storm, the damage to the roof was very great.
In real life
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