What's the best way to say "spätestens" in English?

If you've ever set a deadline in English, you might have said something like "latest Tuesday." It makes sense. After all, in German you'd say spätestens Dienstag. In English, though, "latest" on its own sounds a bit off to most native speakers. Here's what to say instead.

The phrase you need: at the latest

The English version of spätestens is the fixed phrase "at the latest." It always keeps the "at" and the "the," and it usually comes after the time or day, often with "by" in front.

• I'll finish the report by Monday at the latest. ✅ (Not: "latest Monday" ❌)
• Let me know by tomorrow at the latest. ✅
• The package should arrive by Wednesday at the latest. ✅

It means something could happen earlier, but not later than that time.

• I'll call you back this evening at the latest.
• The tickets should be here on Friday at the latest.
• We need to leave by eight at the latest if we want to catch the train.

And for "frühestens"?

The opposite works exactly the same way: "at the earliest."

• The new kitchen won't be ready until March at the earliest.
• I can be there at six at the earliest.

From work emails to weekend plans, there's always a moment when you need to say when something has to happen. Now you've got the right phrase for it.

Want more tips for expressing time in English? Check out our Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs for the latest English learning content!