adverb
at least, anyway
B1
zumindest means "at least" or "anyway." A degree adverb used to limit, qualify or soften statements. Common positions: sentence-initial or mid-position. Uninflected; not comparative. Can express minimal expectation ("at least do that") or signal a contrast/hedge ("anyway/at least..."). Frequent in spoken and written German.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Du musst zumindest die Grundlagen lernen.
You have to learn at least the basics.
Die Firma zahlte zumindest eine Entschädigung, weil der Schaden eindeutig durch das Produkt verursacht wurde.
The company at least paid compensation because the damage was clearly caused by the product.
Ich bin beschäftigt, aber ich komme zumindest kurz vorbei.
I'm busy, but I'll come by briefly anyway.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Visualize a checklist with one final required item highlighted: 'zumindest' marks the minimum required.
Think 'zoom-in-dest' — imagine zooming in to the smallest acceptable amount: at least.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Zumindest is often interchangeable with wenigstens in many contexts; it indicates a minimum expectation or concession (at least / anyway).