at least / after all
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at least
Expresses a limitation that softens a negative situation; means something like 'wenigstens' (at least) or 'zumindest' (at least).
Ich habe den Zug verpasst, aber immerhin scheint die Sonne.
I missed the train, but at least the sun is shining.
after all
Used to emphasize a noteworthy or surprising fact; means something like 'schließlich' (after all) or 'denn' (since/after all).
Sei nicht so ungeduldig mit ihm, er ist immerhin erst fünf Jahre alt.
Don't be so impatient with him; he is only five years old, after all.
'Immerhin' (at least/after all) can stand in position 1; then the verb follows immediately. It can also stand in the middle of the sentence after the verb and the subject in order to comment on a statement.
Immerhin hat er sich entschuldigt.
At least he apologized.
In this meaning, a negative or disappointing situation is often described first. 'Immerhin' (at least) then introduces a positive aspect that makes the situation a little better.
Das Auto ist kaputt, aber immerhin haben wir eine Versicherung.
The car is broken, but at least we have insurance.
In this meaning, 'immerhin' (after all) is used to emphasize a reason or an important circumstance that should not be forgotten. It often expresses slight surprise or a justification.
Du kannst nicht erwarten, dass er perfekt ist. Er ist immerhin noch ein Anfänger.
You can't expect him to be perfect. He is still a beginner, after all.
finally / after all
Schließlich introduces a known fact as an important reason for a statement. Immerhin usually presents a positive or important fact as a counterpoint to a disadvantage, thereby softening it. Use schließlich for a direct justification; use immerhin for a comforting or limiting counterpoint.
Lea kennt das neue System noch nicht, hat aber immerhin fünf Jahre Berufserfahrung.
Lea does not know the new system yet, but she does have five years of professional experience, at least.
Wir sollten Lea einstellen, denn sie hat schließlich fünf Jahre Berufserfahrung.
We should hire Lea because, after all, she has five years of professional experience.
