Entschuldigung
/ɛntˈʃʊldiɡʊŋ/
The German phrase for apologies is Entschuldigung.
Entschuldigung means apologies or excuse. It is often used as a standalone exclamation to get someone's attention or to excuse oneself when passing through a crowd. In English, the word 'apologies' is usually more formal, but in German, Entschuldigung is the standard way to say 'excuse me' in social situations.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix ent- (removing/undoing), Schuld (guilt/debt) and the suffix -ung (forming a noun), literally meaning 'the act of undoing guilt'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine and takes the article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛntˈʃʊldiɡʊŋ/
Did you know?
- The word Schuld inside Entschuldigung means both 'guilt' and 'financial debt'. In German, asking for an apology is linguistically similar to asking for a debt to be cancelled.
- While Entschuldigung is the standard term, the phrase Verzeihung is used for deeper forgiveness. Using Entschuldigung for a serious moral failing can sometimes seem too casual or insufficient.
- In German legal contexts, an Entschuldigung is not always a formal admission of guilt. It can be used to express regret without legally accepting liability for an accident.
Examples in context
- Ich bitte noch einmal tausendmal um Entschuldigung.Again, a thousand apologies.This sentence shows how to offer a thousand apologies using Entschuldigung.Tatoeba #10313691 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #619814 by ulyssemc1
- Ich bitte Sie, meine aufrichtige Entschuldigung anzunehmen.Please accept my sincere apologies.This sentence shows how to ask someone to accept a sincere apology using Entschuldigung.Tatoeba #1826202 by Tamy, translation #251236 by CK
- Wir bitten um Entschuldigung, dass wir ihre Bestellung nicht früher bearbeiten konnten.Please accept our apologies for not filling your order sooner.This sentence shows how to apologize for a delay in processing an order using Entschuldigung.Tatoeba #730654 by Dejo, translation #274093 by Dejo
- Es tut mir leid, dass ich Ihren Termin verpasst habe. Das war unprofessionell von mir.I am sorry that I missed your appointment. That was unprofessional of me.
- Es tut mir echt leid, dass ich gestern nicht zum Treffen gekommen bin. Ich hatte einen Notfall.I am really sorry that I didn't come to the meeting yesterday. I had an emergency.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas bumps into Hannah in a crowded cafe.
- LukasEntschuldigung, ich habe Sie nicht gesehen.Apologies, I didn't see you.
- HannahDas macht nichts, kein Problem.That's alright, no problem.
- LukasNochmals Entschuldigung für die Störung.Apologies again for the disturbance.
- HannahAlles gut, Lukas. Schönen Tag noch!Everything is fine, Lukas. Have a nice day!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Entschuldigung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
