at least
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at least
Expresses that something is the minimum that one expects or that was achieved. It is often used to emphasize a small positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation.
Die Prüfung war schwer, aber ich habe sie wenigstens bestanden.
The exam was difficult, but at least I passed it.
'Wenigstens' (at least) is an adverbial form derived from the word 'wenig' (little/few) and related to the superlative 'am wenigsten' (the least). It means roughly the same as 'zumindest' (at least) or 'im geringsten Fall' (at the very least).
Du hättest wenigstens anrufen können, um Bescheid zu sagen.
You could at least have called to let us know.
'Wenigstens' (at least) can be placed flexibly in a sentence. If it is in position 1, the conjugated verb follows directly after it. If it appears inside the sentence, it usually comes after the conjugated verb.
Wenigstens scheint heute die Sonne.
At least the sun is shining today.
This word is often used to highlight a small positive thing in an otherwise negative or difficult situation. It expresses a form of comfort or minimal relief.
Das Auto ist kaputt, aber wir haben wenigstens unser Ziel erreicht.
The car is broken, but at least we reached our destination.
at least
Zumindest and wenigstens can both name a minimum that still applies. Zumindest often limits a statement objectively to the certain part. Wenigstens is more likely to highlight this minimum as a positive remainder, with an evaluative tone or personal relief; however, the boundary between the two words is not always clear-cut.
Die Prüfung lief schlecht, aber wenigstens habe ich die erste Aufgabe geschafft!
The exam went badly, but at least I managed to complete the first task!
Zumindest die erste Aufgabe habe ich geschafft; beim Rest bin ich noch unsicher.
At least I managed to complete the first task; I'm still unsure about the rest.
