gering en 30 secondes
- Gering is a versatile German adjective meaning 'low', 'minor', or 'slight', primarily used for abstract concepts like risk, probability, and cost.
- It differs from 'niedrig' (physical height) and 'klein' (physical size), focusing instead on magnitude, intensity, or statistical value.
- Commonly found in formal, academic, and journalistic German, it helps provide precision in quantifying non-tangible assets or outcomes.
- Key phrases include 'nicht im Geringsten' (not in the slightest) and 'geringe Chance' (low chance), making it essential for intermediate learners.
The German adjective gering is a cornerstone of the German language, primarily used to describe something that is small in quantity, intensity, value, or importance. Unlike the word 'klein', which often refers to physical size or dimensions, 'gering' leans towards abstract measurements and qualitative assessments. When a German speaker says the chance of rain is 'gering', they are indicating a low probability, not a 'small' rain cloud. This distinction is vital for learners aiming for natural fluency. It is most frequently encountered in formal contexts, scientific reports, news broadcasts, and academic writing, though it certainly finds its place in everyday conversation when discussing costs, efforts, or differences.
- Quantity and Amount
- When referring to numbers or volumes, 'gering' indicates that the sum is not high. For example, 'eine geringe Anzahl von Teilnehmern' (a small number of participants) suggests that the turnout was lower than expected or simply minimal.
- Intensity and Degree
- It describes the strength of a feeling, a force, or a physical property. A 'geringer Widerstand' (low resistance) could refer to an electrical property or a lack of opposition in a political debate.
Trotz der geringen Kosten ist die Qualität des Produkts erstaunlich hoch.
Historically, 'gering' is related to the idea of being 'ringed' or 'narrow', evolving into the sense of 'small' or 'insignificant'. In modern usage, it often carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. If you are at a market and want to say a price is low, you might use 'niedrig', but if you are discussing the 'minor' impact of a new law, 'gering' is your best choice. It covers the spectrum of 'low', 'slight', 'minor', and 'scant'. Understanding the nuance of 'gering' allows you to express precision in your German descriptions.
In social settings, 'gering' can also be used to describe social status or self-worth, though this is more common in literary or older contexts. To 'von geringer Herkunft' (of humble/low origin) means someone comes from a modest background. However, in most 21st-century interactions, you will use it to quantify abstract concepts. It is also the root of the verb 'geringschätzen' (to disparage or undervalue), showing how the concept of 'smallness' translates into 'low estimation'.
Grammatically, gering functions as a standard adjective, which means it must be declined according to the gender, case, and number of the noun it precedes. Mastering these endings is the key to using 'gering' correctly in written and spoken German. Because it is often used with abstract nouns (which are frequently feminine or neuter), you will often see forms like 'geringe', 'geringes', or 'geringer'.
- Nominative Case
- 'Ein geringer Unterschied' (A minor difference). Here, the masculine ending '-er' is used after the indefinite article.
- Accusative Case
- 'Ich sehe nur eine geringe Chance' (I see only a slight chance). The feminine ending '-e' remains consistent in the accusative.
Das Risiko ist gering, aber wir müssen trotzdem vorsichtig sein.
When used predicatively (after a verb like 'sein'), 'gering' does not take an ending. This is the easiest way for A2 learners to start using the word. 'Die Gefahr ist gering' (The danger is low). As you progress to B1 and B2, you should start using it attributively (before the noun). The comparative form is geringer (lower/smaller) and the superlative is am geringsten (lowest/smallest). For example: 'Der Aufwand war geringer als erwartet' (The effort was lower than expected).
One of the most common pitfalls is using 'gering' for physical height. If you want to say a person is short, use 'klein'. If you want to say a ceiling is low, use 'niedrig'. 'Gering' is reserved for things you can count or evaluate, but not necessarily measure with a ruler in the physical world. It is a word of 'magnitude' and 'significance'. When you want to emphasize that something is truly negligible, you can use the compound 'geringfügig', which means 'marginal' or 'trifling'.
If you turn on the news in Germany (like Tagesschau), you will hear gering almost every day. It is the preferred term for economic reports, weather forecasts, and political analysis. You will hear it when reporters talk about 'geringe Wahlbeteiligung' (low voter turnout) or 'geringe Zuwachsraten' (low growth rates). It provides a level of precision and sobriety that 'klein' simply cannot offer.
- Economic News
- 'Die Inflation bleibt diesen Monat erstaunlich gering.' (Inflation remains surprisingly low this month.)
- Weather Reports
- 'Die Regenwahrscheinlichkeit im Osten ist nur sehr gering.' (The probability of rain in the east is only very low.)
Es besteht nur ein geringes Risiko für die öffentliche Sicherheit.
In a professional workplace, your boss might mention that the budget for a new project is 'gering', implying that you need to be efficient. In academic circles, researchers discuss 'geringe Abweichungen' (slight deviations) in their data. Even in legal contexts, a 'geringfügiges Vergehen' is a petty offense, like a minor traffic violation. Hearing this word signals that the speaker is moving away from basic descriptions and into more nuanced, professional communication.
Interestingly, you will also hear it in idioms. If someone says 'Ich habe nicht die geringste Ahnung', they are saying 'I don't have the slightest clue'. This is a very common way to emphasize total ignorance about a topic. This idiomatic use is common across all social strata, making 'gering' a versatile tool in both the boardroom and the living room.
The most frequent error for English speakers is treating gering as a direct synonym for 'small' (klein) or 'low' (niedrig) in every context. While they overlap, their usage is actually quite distinct. Using 'gering' to describe a person's height ('Er ist gering') would sound very strange and archaic, almost as if you were saying he is 'of little value' rather than 'short'.
- Gering vs. Niedrig
- Use 'niedrig' for physical levels (a low table, low altitude). Use 'gering' for intensity or amounts (low interest, low probability).
- Gering vs. Klein
- Use 'klein' for physical size (a small dog). Use 'gering' for significance or value (a minor problem).
Falsch: Das Gebäude ist gering.
Richtig: Das Gebäude ist niedrig.
Another mistake involves the declension of the superlative. Many learners forget the '-en' in 'am geringsten'. They might say 'das ist am geringste', which is grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, learners often forget that 'gering' can be used as an adverb to mean 'slightly', but usually, 'geringfügig' or 'etwas' is preferred for adverbial use in modern German. For example, 'Die Preise sind nur geringfügig gestiegen' is better than 'Die Preise sind nur gering gestiegen'.
Finally, avoid overusing 'gering' in very informal settings where 'wenig' might suffice. If you have 'little time', you would usually say 'Ich habe wenig Zeit'. Saying 'Ich habe eine geringe Zeit' sounds overly dramatic or like a translated technical manual. Save 'gering' for when you are categorizing the amount rather than just stating you don't have much of it.
To truly enrich your German vocabulary, you must understand the synonyms and alternatives to gering. Depending on the context—whether you're talking about money, size, or importance—different words will provide the exact flavor you need. 'Gering' is a safe, middle-ground word, but these alternatives can make you sound more like a native speaker.
- Knapp
- Use 'knapp' when something is 'scarce' or 'barely enough'. 'Das Geld ist knapp' means money is tight, which is more specific than 'gering'.
- Minimal
- A direct cognate to English, 'minimal' is used for the absolute smallest amount possible, often in technical or modern contexts.
- Unbedeutend
- Meaning 'insignificant'. If the 'geringe' amount is so small it doesn't matter, 'unbedeutend' is the word to use.
Der Unterschied ist marginal und hat keinen Einfluss auf das Ergebnis.
For formal writing, consider 'marginal' or 'vernachlässigbar' (negligible). If you are describing a 'slight' improvement, you might use 'leicht' (light/slight). For example, 'eine leichte Besserung'. Understanding these synonyms helps you avoid repeating 'gering' too often in a single paragraph. In contrast, if you want to express the opposite, 'erheblich' (considerable) or 'beträchtlich' (substantial) are excellent antonyms to keep in your toolkit.
When you want to describe something as 'minor' in a hierarchy, 'untergeordnet' (subordinate) might be better. However, 'gering' remains the most versatile adjective for describing anything that is 'low' in a non-physical sense. By contrasting it with 'hoch' (high) or 'groß' (large), you can see how it fits into the broader landscape of German descriptors.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
In Old German, the word could also mean 'nimble' or 'quick'. Over time, the meaning shifted from physical agility to qualitative smallness.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the final 'g' as a hard 'k' (common in some dialects, but standard is more of an 'ng' sound).
- Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (it should be further back in the throat).
- Making the 'i' sound like 'ee' (it should be short like in 'ring').
- Stress on the first syllable.
- Omitting the 'n' in the 'ng' cluster.
Niveau de difficulté
Easy to recognize in context as 'low' or 'small'.
Requires correct adjective endings and understanding of abstract vs. physical contexts.
Natural usage requires moving away from the simpler 'klein'.
Very common in news and media, easy to hear.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Adjective Declension (Weak/Strong/Mixed)
ein geringer Preis (strong), der geringe Preis (weak), mein geringer Preis (mixed).
Comparison of Adjectives
gering, geringer, am geringsten.
Nominalization of Adjectives
Das Geringste, was du tun kannst, ist zu helfen.
Adverbs from Adjectives
Die Preise sind nur gering gestiegen (Note: 'geringfügig' is often preferred).
Compound Noun Formation
Gering + Verdiener = Geringverdiener.
Exemples par niveau
Das ist nur ein geringer Preis.
That is only a low price.
Masculine nominative ending '-er' after 'ein'.
Ich habe geringe Lust.
I have little desire.
Feminine accusative ending '-e'.
Die Kosten sind gering.
The costs are low.
Predicative use, no ending.
Es gibt geringe Probleme.
There are minor problems.
Plural accusative ending '-e'.
Die Chance ist gering.
The chance is low.
Common A1 expression.
Ein geringer Teil ist weg.
A small part is gone.
Subject of the sentence.
Er hat geringe Zeit.
He has little time.
Though 'wenig' is more common, this is possible.
Das Risiko ist gering.
The risk is low.
Simple sentence structure.
Wir haben nur eine geringe Menge Wasser.
We only have a small amount of water.
Feminine noun 'Menge'.
Der Unterschied war sehr gering.
The difference was very minor.
Used with 'sehr' for emphasis.
Es besteht eine geringe Gefahr.
There is a slight danger.
Common collocation with 'bestehen'.
Die Qualität ist trotz des geringen Preises gut.
The quality is good despite the low price.
Genitive case after 'trotz'.
Ich kenne nur eine geringe Anzahl von Wörtern.
I only know a small number of words.
Abstract quantity.
Das Interesse an dem Film war gering.
Interest in the film was low.
Predicative adjective.
Die Teilnehmerzahl war geringer als erwartet.
The number of participants was lower than expected.
Comparative form.
Er hat nicht das geringste Interesse.
He doesn't have the slightest interest.
Superlative used for emphasis.
Die Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt sind gering.
The impact on the environment is minor.
Professional context.
Es gibt nur geringe Abweichungen vom Plan.
There are only slight deviations from the plan.
Technical/Work context.
Wegen der geringen Nachfrage wurde das Produkt eingestellt.
Due to low demand, the product was discontinued.
Genitive case after 'wegen'.
Das Gehalt ist im Vergleich zu anderen Berufen gering.
The salary is low compared to other professions.
Economic context.
Sie zeigte nur ein geringes Maß an Geduld.
She showed only a small amount of patience.
Neuter accusative 'Maß'.
Die Erfolgsaussichten sind leider sehr gering.
The chances of success are unfortunately very low.
Compound noun 'Erfolgsaussichten'.
Wir müssen die Kosten so gering wie möglich halten.
We must keep the costs as low as possible.
Comparison 'so ... wie'.
Ein geringer Prozentsatz der Bevölkerung ist betroffen.
A small percentage of the population is affected.
Statistical usage.
Die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Unfalls ist äußerst gering.
The probability of an accident is extremely low.
Adverb 'äußerst' enhances the adjective.
Das Risiko einer Infektion ist bei dieser Methode geringer.
The risk of infection is lower with this method.
Comparative in a scientific context.
Er wurde wegen einer geringfügigen Tat verurteilt.
He was convicted of a minor offense.
Using the related word 'geringfügig'.
Die Unterschiede zwischen den Proben sind nur gering.
The differences between the samples are only slight.
Scientific observation.
Es ist nur ein geringer Trost, aber immerhin etwas.
It is only a small comfort, but something at least.
Abstract noun 'Trost'.
Die politische Bedeutung des Treffens war eher gering.
The political significance of the meeting was rather minor.
Qualifying with 'eher'.
Man darf den Einfluss der Medien nicht gering schätzen.
One should not underestimate the influence of the media.
Verb phrase 'gering schätzen'.
Die Investition erfordert nur ein geringes Startkapital.
The investment requires only a small initial capital.
Business context.
Die Korrelation zwischen den Variablen erwies sich als gering.
The correlation between the variables proved to be low.
Academic research terminology.
Seine Chancen auf den Sieg waren von Anfang an gering.
His chances of victory were slim from the start.
Narrative style.
Das Werk stieß bei der Kritik auf geringe Resonanz.
The work met with little response from critics.
Cultural/Literary context.
Trotz geringster Anstrengung erreichte er das Ziel.
Despite minimal effort, he reached the goal.
Superlative in the genitive case.
Die Fehlerquote ist auf ein geringes Maß gesunken.
The error rate has dropped to a low level.
Formal report style.
Ich habe nicht den geringsten Zweifel an seiner Ehrlichkeit.
I don't have the slightest doubt about his honesty.
Idiomatic emphasis.
Das Gesetz hat nur geringe Auswirkungen auf den Alltag.
The law has only minor effects on everyday life.
Legal/Societal context.
Die verfügbaren Ressourcen sind leider äußerst gering.
The available resources are unfortunately extremely scant.
Resource management context.
Die ontologische Relevanz dieses Arguments ist eher gering.
The ontological relevance of this argument is rather minor.
Philosophical register.
Man begegnete ihm mit einer gewissen Geringschätzung.
He was met with a certain disdain.
Noun 'Geringschätzung'.
Die marginale Abweichung ist statistisch gesehen gering.
The marginal deviation is low from a statistical perspective.
Highly technical.
In Anbetracht der geringen Beweislast wurde er freigesprochen.
In view of the scant evidence, he was acquitted.
Legal terminology 'Beweislast'.
Die ästhetische Wirkung des Gebäudes bleibt gering.
The aesthetic impact of the building remains minor.
Art criticism.
Es ist ein geringes Übel im Vergleich zur Alternative.
It is a lesser evil compared to the alternative.
Philosophical/Ethical idiom.
Die Resonanz in der Fachwelt war beschämend gering.
The response in the professional world was shamefully low.
Evaluative language.
Seine Worte hatten nur ein geringes Gewicht in der Debatte.
His words carried little weight in the debate.
Metaphorical use of 'Gewicht'.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— Not in the slightest / Not at all. Used for strong negation.
Das stört mich nicht im Geringsten.
— Short-lived. Used to describe something that doesn't last long.
Sein Erfolg war nur von geringer Dauer.
— To a small extent. Used to qualify a statement.
Das ist nur in geringem Maße wahr.
— Low effort. Used when something is easy to do.
Mit geringem Aufwand viel erreichen.
— Limited means/funds. Often used for being poor or under-resourced.
Sie lebten mit sehr geringen Mitteln.
— Low interest. Used when someone doesn't care much.
Er zeigte nur geringes Interesse an dem Projekt.
— Minor difference. Used when two things are similar.
Es gibt einen geringen Unterschied in der Farbe.
— Shallow depth. Used for water or abstract depth.
Das Wasser hat hier eine geringe Tiefe.
— Slight knowledge. Used for beginners in a subject.
Ich habe nur geringe Kenntnisse in Chemie.
Expressions idiomatiques
— Nothing at all. Used to emphasize that there is zero of something.
Er hat nicht das Geringste getan.
neutral— The lesser of two evils. Choosing the best of bad options.
Diese Lösung ist das geringste Übel.
neutral— To not feel too good for any task. Being humble.
Er ist sich für keine Arbeit zu gering.
literary— To not even consider something for a second.
Ich denke nicht im Geringsten daran, aufzugeben.
informal/neutral— To lower one's expectations or act more humbly (Variation of 'kleine Brötchen backen').
Nach der Niederlage muss er wohl geringere Brötchen backen.
informal— Of poor character or quality (Old fashioned).
Dieser Mann ist von geringem Schrot und Korn.
archaic— To not have the foggiest clue.
Ich habe nicht die geringste Ahnung, wo er ist.
informal— To be held in low esteem.
Der Politiker steht beim Volk in geringem Ansehen.
formalFamille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'ring' – a tiny piece of jewelry. 'Gering' sounds like 'ring' and describes things that are 'tiny' in importance or amount.
Association visuelle
Imagine a thermometer where the red line is barely visible at the bottom. That tiny amount of heat is 'gering'.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use 'gering' in three sentences today: one about a price, one about a chance, and one about a difference.
Origine du mot
Derived from Middle High German 'geringe', which meant 'small', 'light', or 'easy'. It is related to the Old High German 'giringi'.
Sens originel : Originally, it described something that was easy to move or light in weight, similar to the modern 'leicht'.
Germanic family, related to the English word 'ring' (in the sense of a small circle or narrowness), though the connection is distant.Contexte culturel
Be careful when using 'gering' to describe people; it can sound insulting (implying low value) unless used in a specific social context like 'Geringverdiener'.
English speakers often use 'low' or 'small' interchangeably. In German, 'gering' provides a specific 'professional' flavor that 'low' doesn't always convey.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Finance
- geringe Zinsen
- geringe Kosten
- geringes Einkommen
- geringer Profit
Science/Statistics
- geringe Abweichung
- geringe Wahrscheinlichkeit
- geringe Menge
- geringe Konzentration
Daily Life
- geringe Verspätung
- geringes Interesse
- geringe Hoffnung
- geringer Aufwand
Professional
- geringe Anforderungen
- geringe Kapazität
- geringe Priorität
- geringe Resonanz
Legal
- geringfügiges Vergehen
- geringe Beweislast
- geringer Streitwert
- geringes Verschulden
Amorces de conversation
"Glaubst du, das Risiko bei diesem Plan ist eher gering oder hoch?"
"Wie können wir die Kosten für das Projekt so gering wie möglich halten?"
"War das Interesse an der Veranstaltung wirklich so gering, wie die Zeitung schreibt?"
"Hast du eine geringe Ahnung, warum der Zug heute schon wieder Verspätung hat?"
"Ist der Unterschied zwischen diesen beiden Handys wirklich so gering?"
Sujets d'écriture
Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du nur eine geringe Chance hattest, aber trotzdem erfolgreich warst.
Welche Dinge in deinem Leben haben eine geringe Bedeutung für dich, obwohl andere sie wichtig finden?
Reflektiere über einen Tag, an dem du mit geringem Aufwand ein großes Ziel erreicht hast.
Denkst du, dass ein geringes Einkommen zwangsläufig zu weniger Glück führt? Warum (nicht)?
Beschreibe eine geringfügige Entscheidung, die später eine große Auswirkung auf dein Leben hatte.
Summary
The word 'gering' is your go-to adjective for 'low' or 'small' when dealing with abstract numbers, intensities, or importance. For example, 'Das Risiko ist gering' (The risk is low) is a standard, professional way to describe a situation.
- Gering is a versatile German adjective meaning 'low', 'minor', or 'slight', primarily used for abstract concepts like risk, probability, and cost.
- It differs from 'niedrig' (physical height) and 'klein' (physical size), focusing instead on magnitude, intensity, or statistical value.
- Commonly found in formal, academic, and journalistic German, it helps provide precision in quantifying non-tangible assets or outcomes.
- Key phrases include 'nicht im Geringsten' (not in the slightest) and 'geringe Chance' (low chance), making it essential for intermediate learners.
Exemple
Das Risiko ist sehr gering.
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