01
höchstens
at most
Expresses an upper limit; not more than a certain number, amount, or measure.
example
Die Reparatur wird höchstens 100 Euro kosten.
The repair will cost at most 100 euros.
höchstens
at most
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is formed from the superlative of 'hoch' (high), 'höchst-', and the ending '-ens'. This ending forms adverbs that describe an outermost limit or quality, as in 'bestens' (very well) or 'frühestens' (at the earliest).
EXAMPLE
Die Lieferung erfolgt schnellstens, spätestens aber in drei Tagen.
Delivery will take place as quickly as possible, but no later than in three days.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'höchstens' can stand flexibly in the sentence. It often stands directly before the number or amount it limits. If it stands in position 1, the verb follows directly after it.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben höchstens noch 20 Euro.
We have at most 20 euros left.
Context clue
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. If 'höchstens' appears with a number or amount, it means 'not more than'. If it describes a possible but often unlikely result, it means 'at best'.
EXAMPLE
Das Paket wiegt höchstens zwei Kilogramm.
The package weighs at most two kilograms.
Compare with
höchstens vs bis
until / to
'bis zu' and 'höchstens' can both say that a number or amount may not be exceeded. 'Bis zu' very often comes before a number and feels neutral: 'bis zu fünf Minuten' (up to five minutes), 'bis zu zehn Euro' (up to ten euros). 'Höchstens' emphasizes the limit more strongly and clearly means 'not more than'. Learners may confuse the words because both express an upper limit. But note: 'bis' alone can also name a point in time or a place; for amounts, you usually mean 'bis zu'.
höchstens
Für diese Aufgabe braucht ihr höchstens zehn Minuten.
You will need at most ten minutes for this task.
bis
Nach dem Training darf jeder bis zu zwei Getränke nehmen.
After training, everyone may take up to two drinks.
In real life
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