Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| Entschuldigung | /ɛntˈʃʊldiɡʊŋ/ |
| entschuldigen Sie | /ɛntˈʃʊldɪɡən ziː/ (word by word) |
| es tut mir leid | /ˌʔɛs ˈtuːt ˌmiːɐ ˈlaɪ̯t/ |
Entschuldigung is used as a standalone interjection to get someone's attention or for minor social transgressions. es tut mir leid is used for expressing genuine regret or sympathy.
Which one should you use?
Use Entschuldigung to get someone's attention or for minor social transgressions, whereas es tut mir leid is used for expressing genuine regret or sympathy.
How does it change in a sentence?
entschuldigen Sie is the formal imperative form used when addressing strangers or superiors. The singular informal imperative is entschuldige or entschuldige mal, used with friends or children.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛntˈʃʊldiɡʊŋ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use Entschuldigung to mean 'I am sorry' for a deep emotional regret, but es tut mir leid is more appropriate for sincere apologies.
Did you know?
- When you say Entschuldigung, you are literally asking someone to remove your guilt or 'un-guilt' you.
- The phrase es tut mir leid expresses that something 'does me harm' or 'causes me sorrow', treating the regret as something being done to the speaker.
- Using Entschuldigung to get a stranger's attention is often accompanied by a brief nod or a slight tilt of the head to signal politeness.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie mich kurz!Excuse me for a second.This sentence is useful for asking someone to excuse you for a moment using entschuldigen Sie.Tatoeba #5647584 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3635842 by CK
- Entschuldigung. Wer sind Sie?Excuse me. Who are you?This sentence shows how to use Entschuldigung to get someone's attention.Tatoeba #2629641 by Espi, translation #933733 by CK
- Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es?Excuse me, what time is it?This sentence demonstrates using Entschuldigung to get someone's attention before asking a question.Tatoeba #804477 by samueldora, translation #385392 by Mouseneb
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte, könnten Sie mir bitte den Weg zum nächsten Bahnhof zeigen?Excuse me, could you please direct me to the nearest train station?
- Verzeihung, könnten Sie mir bitte helfen, diese Taschen zu tragen?Excuse me, could you help me carry these bags?
- Entschuldigung, kann ich einen Moment Ihrer Zeit haben?Excuse me, can I have a moment of your time?
- Entschuldige, kann ich deinen Stift ausleihen?Excuse me, can I borrow your pen?
- 183 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura accidentally bumps into Maximilian in a supermarket.
- LauraOh, Entschuldigung!Oh, excuse me!
- MaximilianKein Problem, das macht nichts.No problem, it doesn't matter.
- LauraIch habe nicht richtig aufgepasst.I wasn't paying attention.
- MaximilianSchon gut, Laura.It's okay, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excuse me” translations and entries Entschuldigung, es tut mir leid, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (entschuldigen, Sie) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Entschuldigung, Sie, entschuldigen, es, mir, sie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
