das  Minimum

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɪnɪmʊm/

📉 What exactly is 'das Minimum'?

The German word das Minimum (noun, neuter) refers to the smallest value, the least amount, or the lowest limit of something. It's often used in mathematical, statistical, or economic contexts, but also in everyday life to express the least possible thing.

There is only this one article, das, for this word. It originates from the Latin adjective minimus (the smallest).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the microscope: Das Minimum

Das Minimum is a noun of the neuter gender (Neutrum). It is declined as follows:

⚠️ Note the plural: die Minima. This is somewhat irregular and comes directly from Latin.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das absolute Minimum an Aufwand ist erforderlich. (The absolute minimum of effort is required.)
2. Wir müssen die Kosten auf ein Minimum reduzieren. (We have to reduce the costs to a minimum.)
3. Die Funktion erreicht ihr Minimum bei x = 3. (The function reaches its minimum at x = 3.)
4. Die Minima der Temperatur wurden letzte Nacht gemessen. (The minima of the temperature were measured last night.)

🎯 When to use 'das Minimum'?

Das Minimum is used when referring to the lowest point, the smallest amount, or the least requirement.

• Mathematics/Statistics: Denotes the smallest value in a data set or the lowest point of a function (e.g., lokales Minimum - local minimum, globales Minimum - global minimum).
• Economics: Often used in relation to costs, prices, or requirements (e.g., Mindestlohn - minimum wage as the legal wage minimum, Kosten auf ein Minimum beschränken - limit costs to a minimum).
• Everyday language: To express that something is just barely sufficient or very small (e.g., Er tut nur das absolute Minimum. - He only does the absolute minimum.).

It contrasts with das Maximum (the highest value).

💡 Mnemonics for 'das Minimum'

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of neutral things, often concepts or measurements in German taking 'das'. Measurements like das Minimum and das Maximum are neuter. Das is the neutral article.
2. Meaning Mnemonic: The word Minimum contains 'Mini' – reminding you it refers to something small, the smallest possible.

Imagine a tiny car, a Mini, driving at the minimum speed limit. Das Minimum is the lowest point or amount.

↔️ Opposites and Alternatives: Minimum

🚨 Don't confuse with: minimal (adjective) - means 'very small', 'slight'. Example: ein minimaler Unterschied (a minimal difference).

😄 A little joke about the Minimum

Frage: Was ist das Minimum an Kleidung, das Adam und Eva im Paradies trugen?

Antwort: Ein Feigenblatt pro Nase... oder war das schon das Maximum?

Translation:

Question: What is the minimum amount of clothing Adam and Eve wore in Paradise?

Answer: One fig leaf each... or was that already the maximum?

📜 Poem about the Minimum

Ganz unten, wo die Zahlen ruh'n,
Hat das Minimum zu tun.
Der kleinste Wert, die tiefste Zahl,
Findet sich im tiefen Tal.
Nicht drunter geht's, das ist der Schluss,
Ein klar definierter Muss.

Translation:

Way down, where numbers rest,
The Minimum has its test.
The smallest value, lowest count,
Is in the deepest valley found.
Below this, none, that is the end,
A clearly defined must-depend.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin das Kleinste, das es gibt,
In Mathe oft, doch unbeliebt,
Wenn's um den Lohn geht oder Spaß.
Man strebt nach mehr, doch ich bin das,
Was grad' so reicht, die unterste Stufe.
Sag, kennst du mich, hörst du die Rufe?

Translation:

I am the smallest that exists,
Often in math, but earns no trysts,
When it's about wages or fun's decree.
People strive for more, but I am thee,
What's just enough, the lowest grade.
Tell me, do you know me, hear the parade?

Solution: das Minimum

🌍 Other Interesting Facts

Etymology: The word Minimum comes directly from Latin. It is the neuter form of the superlative minimus, meaning 'the smallest'. The Latin plural minima was also adopted into German.

Related Terms: minimieren (to minimize), minimal (minimal, very small), Minimalismus (minimalism - a lifestyle or art movement focusing on the essential).