spätestens
Translation
at the latest, by
Examples
Du musst spätestens um 10 Uhr hier sein.
You must be here by 10 o'clock at the latest.
Die Arbeit muss spätestens morgen fertig sein.
The work must be finished by tomorrow at the latest.
Grammar Patterns
spätestens ((time specification)) at the latest ((by a time)) You must be here by 10 o'clock at the latest.
Similar Words
Synonyms: höchstens (at most); Antonyms: frühestens (at the earliest)
Etymology
It's an adverb formed from the superlative of the adjective 'spät' (late). The suffix '-stens' forms adverbs from superlatives.
Memory Tips
Think of 'spät' (late) and add the superlative adverb ending '-estens'. It marks the absolute latest point in time for something.