01
wenig
little / few
Refers to a small amount or a small number of something. It can be used with countable and uncountable nouns.
example
Ich habe nur wenig Zeit, also müssen wir uns beeilen.
I only have a little time, so we have to hurry.
wenig
little / few
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Declension with or without an ending
'Wenig' has a special feature: when it stands before a noun without an article, it is often not declined. However, when it stands alone as a pronoun or after an article, it must be declined.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe leider nur wenig Zeit.
Unfortunately, I only have a little time.
Comparison: weniger, am wenigsten
The comparative forms of 'wenig' are 'weniger' (less/fewer) and 'am wenigsten' (the least/the fewest). These are used to compare quantities with one another.
EXAMPLE
Du solltest weniger Zucker essen.
You should eat less sugar.
Fixed expression 'ein wenig'
The expression 'ein wenig' is a fixed unit and means 'a bit.' It is not declined and can be used to soften a statement or describe a small amount.
EXAMPLE
Ich war ein wenig überrascht von seiner Reaktion.
I was a little surprised by his reaction.
Use as a pronoun
When 'wenig' refers to people or things that are already known, it functions like a pronoun. In this case, it often stands at the beginning of the sentence and is declined.
EXAMPLE
Viele wurden eingeladen, doch nur wenige kamen.
Many were invited, but only a few came.
Compare with
wenig vs etwas
something / somewhat
'etwas' and 'wenig' can both express a small amount. 'etwas' often sounds neutral and simply means 'a little' or 'some'. 'wenig' puts more emphasis on the fact that the amount is small, sometimes even too small. That is why 'Ich habe etwas Zeit' sounds rather positive: there is a little time available. 'Ich habe wenig Zeit' sounds more limited: there is not much time available. They are confused because both can be used with amounts, but the effect is often different.
wenig
Vor dem Termin haben die Gäste wenig Zeit für ein langes Gespräch.
Before the appointment, the guests have little time for a long conversation.
etwas
Für die Fahrt packt Maria etwas Essen in ihre Tasche.
Maria packs some food in her bag for the trip.
In real life
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