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
gering
lowly / insignificant
Insignificant, unimportant, or of low rank or value.
EXAMPLE
Er stammt aus einer Familie von geringem Ansehen.
He comes from a family of low standing.
nicht im Geringsten
not in the slightest
A fixed expression that means 'not at all' or 'in no way' and strongly negates a statement.
EXAMPLE
Seine Kritik hat mich nicht im Geringsten gekränkt.
His criticism did not hurt me in the slightest.
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 wenig
little / few
Wenig directly quantifies an amount or number, whereas gering describes a low degree or small extent. With concepts such as Hoffnung or Chance, both are possible, but the sentence structure often changes: Man hat wenig Hoffnung (you have little hope), or die Hoffnung ist gering (hope is low).
gering
Nach der Niederlage ist die Hoffnung der Mannschaft auf den Titel gering.
After the defeat, the team's hope of winning the title is low.
wenig
Nach der Niederlage hat die Mannschaft wenig Hoffnung auf den Titel.
After the defeat, the team has little hope of winning the title.
In real life
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