01
zuwenig
too little
Describes an amount, measure, or degree that is less than what is needed, desired, or expected. It expresses a lack.
example
Wir haben zuwenig Stühle für alle Gäste.
We have too few chairs for all the guests.
zuwenig
too little
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'zu' (too) and 'wenig' (little/few). It expresses that an amount is not just small, but not sufficient for a specific purpose.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben zuwenig Zeit, um das Projekt heute fertigzustellen.
We have too little time to finish the project today.
Spelling
'zuwenig' (too little) can be written as one word or separately. The separate spelling 'zu wenig' (too little) is more common today and is recommended by Duden.
EXAMPLE
Für den Kuchen ist zu wenig Zucker im Haus.
There is too little sugar in the house for the cake.
Use in a sentence
'zuwenig' (too little) can stand alone as an adverb or directly before a noun. When it comes before a noun, it is usually not declined.
EXAMPLE
Zehn Euro? Das ist zuwenig.
Ten euros? That is too little.
Typical collocations
'zuwenig' (too little) is often used in connection with resources. Typical combinations are 'zuwenig Geld' (too little money), 'zuwenig Zeit' (too little time), 'zuwenig Platz' (too little space), or 'zuwenig Personal' (too few staff).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma musste Aufträge ablehnen, weil sie zuwenig Personal hatte.
The company had to turn down orders because it had too few staff.
Compare with
zuwenig vs wenig
little / few
'wenig' and 'zuwenig' both talk about a small amount. The important difference is the evaluation. 'wenig' only says that the amount is small. That can be neutral. 'zuwenig' says that the amount is not enough or is smaller than what you need or expect. That is why 'zuwenig' is stronger and describes a lack. Learners can easily confuse the words because both sound like a small amount. If you are only describing the amount, use 'wenig'. If it is not enough, 'zuwenig' fits.
zuwenig
Du trinkst beim Sport zuwenig Wasser.
You drink too little water when exercising.
wenig
Im Sommer haben wir im Büro wenig Arbeit.
In the summer, we have little work at the office.
In real life
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