minimum / least
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minimum
Indicates the smallest amount, the lowest limit, or the smallest extent of something. It is almost always used in its declined form as an adjective before a noun.
Der mindeste Einsatz für dieses Spiel beträgt fünf Euro.
The minimum stake for this game is five euros.
the least
Refers to the smallest expected or appropriate action or effort in a particular situation.
Nach dem Fehler war eine Entschuldigung wirklich das Mindeste, was er tun konnte.
After the mistake, an apology really was the least he could do.
The word 'mindest' is used almost exclusively as an adjective directly before a noun and must be declined there. A predicative use like 'Der Aufwand war mindest' is not correct.
Für diesen Job gibt es ein mindestes Einstiegsgehalt.
There is a minimum starting salary for this job.
'Mindest' is a superlative form meaning 'least' or 'smallest.' It always expresses a lowest limit, a required minimum, or the smallest possible amount.
Die mindeste Teilnehmerzahl für den Kurs wurde nicht erreicht.
The minimum number of participants for the course was not reached.
The nominalized form 'das Mindeste' (the least) is often used to express a minimal but necessary or morally expected action. It describes what is seen as absolutely basic and self-evident.
Danke zu sagen, ist doch das Mindeste.
Saying thank you is the least you can do.
In its function as a lower limit, 'mindest' is often combined with words that describe an amount, value, or requirement, such as age, amount, distance, or requirement.
Das mindeste Alter für den Führerschein ist 17 Jahre.
The minimum age for a driver's license is 17.
