schlimmstenfalls
at worst
Indicates what will happen in the most unfavorable or worst possible case.
EXAMPLE
Schlimmstenfalls verpassen wir den Flug und müssen ein neues Ticket kaufen.
At worst, we'll miss the flight and have to buy a new ticket.
schlimmstenfalls
at worst
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is composed of 'schlimmsten' (superlative of 'schlimm', bad) and the genitive of 'Fall' (case). So it literally means 'of the worst case' or 'in the worst case'.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen mit Verspätungen rechnen, schlimmstenfalls fällt der Zug ganz aus.
We have to expect delays; at worst, the train will be canceled completely.
Sentence position
When 'schlimmstenfalls' (at worst) is at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), the conjugated verb follows directly after it in position 2. However, it can also appear after the verb and subject in the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Schlimmstenfalls müssen wir die Reise absagen.
At worst, we'll have to cancel the trip.
Use in a sentence
'Schlimmstenfalls' (at worst) is used to describe the most negative of several possible consequences. It often introduces a sentence that describes this scenario.
EXAMPLE
Nimm einen Regenschirm mit. Schlimmstenfalls regnet es, aber dann bist du vorbereitet.
Take an umbrella with you. At worst, it will rain, but then you'll be prepared.
Compare with
schlimmstenfalls vs höchstens
at most
Höchstens and schlimmstenfalls can both state a maximum duration, quantity, or burden. Höchstens describes only the upper limit, while schlimmstenfalls explicitly emphasizes the worst possible scenario. Use höchstens for a neutral limit and schlimmstenfalls for a negative outcome.
schlimmstenfalls
Die Reparatur dauert schlimmstenfalls zwei Tage, wenn noch ein Teil bestellt werden muss.
In the worst case, the repair will take two days if another part has to be ordered.
höchstens
Die Reparatur dauert höchstens zwei Tage.
The repair will take at most two days.
In real life
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