weniger
less / fewer
In a smaller quantity or number, or less frequently; the opposite of 'mehr' (more).
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Umzug sehe ich meine alten Freunde weniger.
Since the move, I see my old friends less.
weniger
less / fewer
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Meanings
weniger
less
To a smaller degree or with lower intensity; the opposite of 'stärker' (more strongly) or 'intensiver' (more intensely).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Behandlung tut die Wunde weniger weh.
After the treatment, the wound hurts less.
weniger ... als
less ... than
Expresses that something applies less to the first option than to the second; the second is the more accurate description.
EXAMPLE
Das ist weniger ein Problem des Geldes als der Zeit.
This is less a problem of money than of time.
mehr oder weniger
more or less
Approximately; to some extent, but without specifying exactly how much.
EXAMPLE
Der Plan ist mehr oder weniger fertig.
The plan is more or less finished.
Usage tips
Comparisons with 'als'
When you use 'weniger' (less / fewer) to make a direct comparison, introduce what you are comparing it with using 'als' (than). This applies to both quantities and qualities.
EXAMPLE
Heute waren weniger Gäste da als gestern.
There were fewer guests today than yesterday.
Die Prüfung war weniger schwierig als erwartet.
The exam was less difficult than expected.
Expressing quantities
'Weniger' (less / fewer) can come directly before a noun: with countable things, the noun is plural; with substances and abstract quantities, it is usually singular. Typical combinations are 'weniger Autos' (fewer cars), 'weniger Wasser' (less water), and 'weniger Zeit' (less time).
EXAMPLE
Seit der Sperrung fahren weniger Autos durch unsere Straße.
Since the road closure, fewer cars drive down our street.
Mit dem neuen Duschkopf verbrauchen wir weniger Wasser.
With the new showerhead, we use less water.
Gradual decrease
Use 'immer weniger' (less and less / fewer and fewer) to describe a quantity or frequency that continues to decrease over time. This makes the phrase useful for describing trends and changes.
EXAMPLE
Seit er im Homeoffice arbeitet, fährt er immer weniger mit dem Auto.
Since he started working from home, he drives less and less.
Before adjectives
'Weniger' (less) comes directly before an adjective or a word that describes how an action is performed. By placing 'etwas' (a little), 'deutlich' (noticeably), or 'viel' (much) before 'weniger', you can also indicate how large the difference is.
EXAMPLE
Beim zweiten Gespräch war sie deutlich weniger nervös.
During the second conversation, she was noticeably less nervous.
Parallel sentence structure
In 'weniger … als …' (less … than …), the two contrasting parts should match grammatically, for example two noun phrases or two infinitive phrases. 'Weniger' comes before the first part, and 'als' before the second.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist weniger Sängerin als Schauspielerin.
She is less a singer than an actress.
Im Urlaub geht es mir weniger darum, viel zu sehen, als darum, mich zu erholen.
On vacation, I care less about seeing lots of sights than about relaxing.
Softening statements
With 'mehr oder weniger' (more or less), you deliberately leave open how fully something applies. The expression often comes before words such as 'fertig' (finished), 'klar' (clear), or 'zufrieden' (satisfied), making the statement less definite.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem Ergebnis sind wir mehr oder weniger zufrieden, auch wenn einige Details noch nicht stimmen.
We are more or less satisfied with the result, even though some details still aren't right.
In real life
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