at least
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at least
Expresses that something is the minimum that applies, is expected, or has been achieved. It is often used to make a limitation or to highlight a positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation.
Ich habe den Zug verpasst, aber zumindest habe ich mein Buch dabei.
I missed the train, but at least I have my book with me.
The word is made up of 'zu' and 'mindest'. 'Mindest' is a superlative form of 'wenig' (little) and means 'the least'. So 'zumindest' (at least) literally means 'up to the smallest degree'.
Die Reise war teuer, aber zumindest war das Wetter gut.
The trip was expensive, but at least the weather was good.
'Zumindest' (at least) can stand in position 1; then the verb follows directly after it (inversion). But it can also stand in the sentence like a normal adverb, often after the verb and the subject.
Zumindest hat er sich entschuldigt.
At least he apologized.
'Zumindest' (at least) is often used to limit a negative statement or to highlight a positive aspect. It signals that the situation is not ideal, but that a minimum has been fulfilled.
Ich habe die Prüfung nicht bestanden, aber zumindest habe ich viel gelernt.
I didn't pass the exam, but at least I learned a lot.
at least
Mindestens usually sets a countable or measurable lower limit, for example for points, time, or money. Zumindest is more likely to name the part of a statement that is certainly true or to highlight a still-positive result. With an exact number, mindestens is therefore usually the better choice.
Die Prüfung war schwer, aber zumindest habe ich sie bestanden.
The exam was difficult, but at least I passed it.
Zum Bestehen der Prüfung braucht man mindestens fünfzig Punkte.
You need at least fifty points to pass the exam.
