at least
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at least
A variant of 'zumindest' (at least), which is often considered stylistically less elegant or colloquial. It means 'at least' or 'in the minimum case' and expresses a lower limit or a minimum requirement.
Er hätte zumindestens anrufen können, um Bescheid zu sagen.
He could at least have called to let us know.
The form 'zumindestens' (at least) is used in spoken language, but in written language or formal situations it is often considered stylistically awkward or less elegant.
Ich habe keine Zeit, dir zu helfen, aber ich kann dir zumindestens mein Werkzeug leihen.
I don't have time to help you, but I can at least lend you my tools.
As an adverb, 'zumindestens' (at least) can appear in different positions in the sentence. It often stands at the beginning of the sentence in position 1, which means that the verb follows directly after it in position 2.
Zumindestens hat er sich für die Verspätung entschuldigt.
At least he apologized for being late.
The word is an expanded form made up of 'zu', the superlative 'mindest', and the ending '-ens'. This '-ens' ending is also found in other adverbs such as 'frühestens' (at the earliest) or 'bestenfalls' (at best).
Du musst nicht alles verstehen, aber zumindestens die Grundlagen sollten klar sein.
You don't have to understand everything, but at least the basics should be clear.
at least
'zumindest' and 'zumindestens' mean almost the same thing: they are used to name a lower limit or a small positive point. Learners can easily confuse the words because they look very similar and are used in the same way. However, 'zumindest' is the more common and stylistically better form, especially in texts and at school or work. You sometimes hear 'zumindestens' in everyday speech, but it sounds less elegant. In practice: with 'zumindest', you are almost always right.
Ich komme später, aber zumindestens bringe ich die Unterlagen mit.
I'll come later, but at least I'll bring the documents with me.
Sie hat wenig Zeit, aber zumindest beantwortet sie die wichtigste E-Mail.
She has little time, but at least she answers the most important email.