minimal
Representing the smallest possible amount or the least extent; very small or insignificant.
EXAMPLE
Der Unterschied zwischen den beiden Angeboten ist nur minimal.
The difference between the two offers is only minimal.
minimal
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Meanings
minimal
Reduced to the bare essentials in art, design, or music. Describes a style that uses simple forms and few elements.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Wohnung ist sehr minimal eingerichtet, mit nur wenigen, ausgewählten Möbelstücken.
Her apartment is furnished in a very minimal style, with only a few carefully selected pieces of furniture.
Usage tips
International word family
The word 'minimal' belongs to an international word family derived from the Latin 'minimus' (the smallest). Words like 'Minimum' (minimum) or 'minus' (minus) have the same origin and help you understand the meaning 'very small'.
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten das Risiko so minimal wie möglich halten.
We should keep the risk as minimal as possible.
Use as an adverb
'Minimal' (minimal) can also be used like an adverb to modify another adjective or a verb. It then means 'only a very tiny bit' or 'barely noticeably'.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Modell ist nur minimal teurer als das alte.
The new model is only minimally more expensive than the old one.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'very small', 'minimal' is often combined with nouns that describe an amount, a degree, or a change. Typical examples are 'ein minimaler Aufwand' (minimal effort), 'minimale Kosten' (minimal costs), or 'eine minimale Verbesserung' (a minimal improvement).
EXAMPLE
Für die Reparatur ist nur ein minimaler Aufwand nötig.
Only minimal effort is needed for the repair.
Context clue: style
When 'minimal' is used in connection with art, architecture, or design, it describes a style that focuses on the essentials. Here it does not just mean 'very small', but 'deliberately reduced'.
EXAMPLE
Der Architekt ist bekannt für sein minimales Design.
The architect is known for his minimal design.
Compare with
minimal vs gering
low / slight
Both words describe a very small degree, for example when talking about a risk. „Gering“ only says that the level is low, while „minimal“ usually expresses an even closer approximation to the smallest possible level. Use „minimal“ when you want to emphasize this particularly small degree.
minimal
Nach der zusätzlichen Kontrolle ist das Risiko eines Fehlers minimal.
After the additional check, the risk of making a mistake is minimal.
gering
Das Risiko eines Fehlers ist bei dieser einfachen Aufgabe gering.
The risk of making a mistake is low with this simple task.
In real life
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