01
meist
mostly
Used as an adverb to express that something is true in most cases or for most of the time. Synonymous with "meistens" (usually/mostly).
example
Am Wochenende schlafe ich meist lange aus.
On weekends, I usually sleep in late.
meist
mostly / most
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Superlative of 'viel'
The forms 'meist', 'die meisten', and 'am meisten' are all superlatives of 'viel' (much/a lot). They express the greatest amount, frequency, or highest degree.
EXAMPLE
Er liest viel, aber sein Bruder liest am meisten.
He reads a lot, but his brother reads the most.
Word order of 'meist'
As an adverb, 'meist' means something like 'normally' or 'usually'. It can stand at the beginning of the sentence (position 1) or in the middle of the sentence (often after the verb).
EXAMPLE
Meist gehe ich am Sonntag spazieren.
Usually I go for a walk on Sunday.
Using 'die meisten'
The form 'die meisten' (most) is used like an adjective before a plural noun. It refers to the majority of a group and is always declined.
EXAMPLE
Die meisten Menschen mögen Schokolade.
Most people like chocolate.
Using 'am meisten'
The form 'am meisten' (the most) is an adverb and is not declined. It modifies a verb and expresses the highest degree.
EXAMPLE
Diese Serie gefällt mir von allen am meisten.
Of all of them, I like this series the most.
Compare with
meist vs mehr
more
'mehr' and 'meist' look similar, but they do not mean the same thing. 'mehr' talks about a larger quantity or a higher degree. 'meist', on the other hand, means 'in most cases' or 'usually'. In forms like 'die meisten' or 'am meisten', it is also about a majority or the highest degree. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected to 'viel' (much / many). Remember: 'mehr' compares amounts, while 'meist' describes what usually happens or what applies to the majority.
meist
Mein Freund besucht seine Familie meist am Sonntag.
My friend usually visits his family on Sundays.
mehr
Nach der Nachricht hatte meine Kollegin mehr Fragen als vorher.
After the news, my colleague had more questions than before.
In real life
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