Meaning
To point out a positive aspect despite negative circumstances.
Cultural Background
Germans use 'immerhin' to maintain 'Haltung' (composure) in the face of failure. It's a way to be realistic but not totally defeated. In Austria, 'immerhin' can be used with a bit more 'Schmäh' (sarcastic charm). It might be used to mock a very small success. Swiss German speakers use 'immerhin' (or 'immerhii' in dialect) frequently in political consensus-building to acknowledge small compromises. In German meetings, 'immerhin' is used to pivot from a problem to a solution or a 'lessons learned' phase.
The 'One-Word' Power
Use 'Immerhin.' as a standalone response to show you're looking at the bright side. It makes you sound very fluent.
Avoid Numbers
Remember: Immerhin + Situation = Good. Immerhin + Number = Bad (use mindestens).
Meaning
To point out a positive aspect despite negative circumstances.
The 'One-Word' Power
Use 'Immerhin.' as a standalone response to show you're looking at the bright side. It makes you sound very fluent.
Avoid Numbers
Remember: Immerhin + Situation = Good. Immerhin + Number = Bad (use mindestens).
Pragmatic Optimism
Use it to show you are a 'Realist' who still sees the good. It's a very respected trait in German-speaking countries.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word: 'immerhin' or 'mindestens'.
Ich habe _______ drei Stunden gewartet!
Since we are talking about a number (three hours), 'mindestens' is the correct choice.
Fill in the blank to find the silver lining.
Das {das|n} Restaurant war teuer, aber ________ war das {das|n} Essen sehr gut.
'Immerhin' perfectly introduces the positive aspect (good food) of the expensive restaurant.
Match the 'immerhin' response to the complaint.
Complaint: 'Mein {der|m} Urlaub war so kurz.'
The response should provide a positive counter-point to the short vacation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich habe die {die|f} Prüfung nicht bestanden.' B: 'Das tut mir leid. Aber ________ hast du viel gelernt.'
B is trying to find a positive side to the failed exam.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe _______ drei Stunden gewartet!
Since we are talking about a number (three hours), 'mindestens' is the correct choice.
Das {das|n} Restaurant war teuer, aber ________ war das {das|n} Essen sehr gut.
'Immerhin' perfectly introduces the positive aspect (good food) of the expensive restaurant.
Complaint: 'Mein {der|m} Urlaub war so kurz.'
The response should provide a positive counter-point to the short vacation.
A: 'Ich habe die {die|f} Prüfung nicht bestanden.' B: 'Das tut mir leid. Aber ________ hast du viel gelernt.'
B is trying to find a positive side to the failed exam.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It's rare. Usually, it's at the beginning or in the middle. 'Das ist gut, immerhin' works, but 'Immerhin ist das gut' is better.
They are 90% the same. 'Wenigstens' is slightly more emotional, 'immerhin' is slightly more logical/argumentative.
No, 'immerhin' always points to a positive or redeeming factor.
Related Phrases
wenigstens
synonymat least
zumindest
similarat least / at the very least
nichtsdestotrotz
similarnevertheless
immerhin etwas
specialized formit's better than nothing
