der/die/das Kleinste
Translation
the smallest (one), the youngest (one), the least
Examples
Er ist der Kleinste in seiner Klasse.
He is the smallest one in his class.
Das ist das Kleinste meiner Probleme.
That is the least of my problems.
Auch der Kleinste kann Großes bewirken.
Even the smallest one can achieve great things.
Grammar Patterns
as a noun: the smallest (one) He is the smallest one in the group.
Similar Words
Synonyms: der Geringste (the least), der Jüngste (the youngest); Antonyms: der Größte (the biggest)
Etymology
This is the nominalized superlative form of the adjective 'klein' (small). 'klein' + '-ste' (superlative suffix) creates 'the smallest one'.
Memory Tips
Recognize it as the superlative of 'klein' (small) acting as a noun. Its gender (der, die, das) depends on what it refers to.