adverb
at most
B1
Höchstens is a degree adverb meaning 'at most' or 'no more than.' It limits quantities, amounts, or degrees and typically precedes numbers or expressions (e.g., 'höchstens zehn'). It takes no prepositions, isn't reflexive, and doesn't affect auxiliary selection. Use it to express upper bounds or limits.
Examples
Du darfst höchstens drei Stück nehmen.
You may take at most three pieces.
Die Gruppe erreichte das Ziel höchstens am Abend, weil der Bus wegen eines Unfalls Verspätung hatte.
The group would reach the destination at the latest in the evening because the bus was delayed due to an accident.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a measuring cup with a clear maximum line labeled 'höchstens'.
Sounds like 'hocks-tens' — think 'upper tens' to remember it's an upper limit.
Notes
höchstens is used to indicate an upper limit (quantity, time, etc.). It is stronger than vielleicht or ungefähr and often used in everyday instructions.