Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| Exgüsi | |
| Entschuldigung | more formal |
For a more formal apology or to get someone's attention more seriously, Swiss speakers use Entschuldigung, closer to Standard German.
What does it mean word for word?
Exgüsi comes from French 'excusez', reshaped into a short, distinctly Swiss German word. Entschuldigung comes from the verb 'entschuldigen', 'to excuse'.
Which one should you use?
Exgüsi is light and quick, used when bumping into someone or interrupting briefly. Entschuldigung carries more weight and fits a real apology.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Exgüsi is casual. Entschuldigung is neutral to formal, safe in any setting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Exgüsi is distinctly Swiss German and not used the same way in Standard German.
How does it change in a sentence?
Neither word changes with the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
Exgüsi stresses the middle syllable, with the ü sound made with rounded lips: 'ex-GÜ-si'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using Exgüsi for a serious apology can feel too light. Entschuldigung is the safer choice when something truly went wrong.
When do people say it?
Exgüsi is considered one of the small, charming words that mark a speaker as Swiss rather than German, often listed among favourite local expressions.
Did you know?
- Exgüsi comes from French 'excusez-moi' but has been reshaped so thoroughly that it now sounds purely Swiss German.
- Swiss German speakers often list Exgüsi among the words that feel the most distinctly local, different from both French and Standard German.
Examples in context
- Exgüsi, isch das dis Platz?Excuse me, is this your seat?
- Entschuldigung, das wollt ich nid.Excuse me, I did not mean that.
Example conversation
Selina squeezes past her coworker Beni in a narrow office hallway.
- SelinaExgüsi, chani churz vorbii?Excuse me, can I quickly get past?
- BeniKlar, kei Problem.Sure, no problem.
- SelinaMerci, isch chli eng hie.Thanks, it is a bit tight here.
- BeniJo, mir sötted umbaue.Yes, we should remodel.
