maximal
maximum
Expresses the highest possible, outermost, or permitted limit; at most.
EXAMPLE
Die maximale Teilnehmerzahl für diesen Kurs beträgt 15 Personen.
The maximum number of participants for this course is 15 people.
maximal
maximum
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Meanings
Usage tips
Adjective or adverb
'Maximal' (maximum / at most) can stand as an adjective before a noun or be used as an adverb to limit an amount or duration. As an adverb, it does not change its form.
EXAMPLE
Die maximale Ladezeit des Akkus beträgt zwei Stunden.
The maximum charging time of the battery is two hours.
Word family
'Maximal' (maximum) is the adjective related to the noun 'das Maximum' (the maximum). Both words refer to the highest point or upper limit of something.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen das Maximum aus unseren Möglichkeiten herausholen.
We have to get the maximum out of our opportunities.
Typical collocations
'Maximal' (maximum) is often combined with nouns that describe a limit or measurement. Typical examples are 'maximale Anzahl' (maximum number), 'maximale Geschwindigkeit' (maximum speed), 'maximale Höhe' (maximum height), or 'maximales Gewicht' (maximum weight).
EXAMPLE
Auf dieser Straße beträgt die maximale Geschwindigkeit 80 km/h.
On this road, the maximum speed is 80 km/h.
Compare with
maximal vs ultimate
ultimate
Both words can present something as particularly strong or extreme. „Maximal“ mainly refers to the highest possible or permitted limit, while „ultimate“ is used more as a value judgment for the best, most extreme, or final example of its kind. Use „maximal“ for a limit and „ultimate“ for a top rating.
maximal
Die Geschwindigkeit des Aufzugs beträgt maximal zehn Kilometer pro Stunde.
The elevator's maximum speed is ten kilometers per hour.
ultimate
Dieses Modell gilt für viele Kunden als das ultimate Fahrrad seiner Klasse.
Many customers consider this model the ultimate bike in its class.
In real life
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