Learning a few polite phrases in German can go a long way when you’re in a German-speaking country. One of the essential phrases you should know is “excuse me, please.” Whether you need to get someone’s attention, apologize, or ask for assistance, this phrase will come in handy. In this guide, you’ll learn the formal and informal ways to say “excuse me, please” in German, along with some helpful tips and examples to ensure you can use them confidently.
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Formal Ways to Say “Excuse Me, Please”
If you find yourself in a formal setting or need to address someone formally, here are a few phrases you can use:
Entschuldigen Sie bitte. (Ent-shool-de-gen zee bit-teh) – Excuse me, please.
Verzeihung, bitte. (Ver-zay-ee-oong, bit-teh) – Pardon me, please.
These phrases are respectful and appropriate to use when talking to someone you don’t know well or who holds a higher position than you. For instance, if you need to ask a question to a store employee or if you accidentally bump into someone on the street, it’s polite to use these phrases as a sign of respect and good manners.
Informal Ways to Say “Excuse Me, Please”
If you are in a casual setting or talking to someone you know well, there are different phrases you can use:
Entschuldige bitte. (Ent-shool-de-geh bit-teh) – Excuse me, please.
Verzeih mir, bitte. (Ver-zay mir, bit-teh) – Forgive me, please.
Using the informal versions of these phrases is appropriate when you’re interacting with friends, family members, or peers. It shows a level of familiarity and closeness between you and the person you are addressing. However, if you’re unsure about the level of formality necessary, it’s always safer to opt for the formal versions to avoid any unintended offense.
Bonus Tip: Using “Entschuldigung”
An alternative to specifically saying “excuse me, please” is to use the word “Entschuldigung” (ent-shool-dee-goong), which means “excuse me” or “I’m sorry” in German. It can be used in both formal and informal situations, making it a versatile phrase to know.
Here are a few examples of how “Entschuldigung” can be used:
- Entschuldigung, könnten Sie mir helfen? (Ent-shool-dee-goong, koen-nen zee meer helfen?) – Excuse me, could you help me?
- Entschuldigung, ich habe mich verlaufen. (Ent-shool-dee-goong, ich ha-be mich ver-lauf-en) – I’m sorry, I got lost.
- Entschuldigung, darf ich fragen, wie spät es ist? (Ent-shool-dee-goong, darf ich fra-gen, vee shpayt es ist?) – Excuse me, may I ask what time it is?
In these examples, “Entschuldigung” is used to politely get someone’s attention, apologize for a mistake, or ask for assistance or information. It’s a versatile phrase that is widely understood and accepted in German-speaking countries.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “excuse me, please” in German is essential when you want to show respect, get someone’s attention, or apologize in a polite manner. Remember, using the formal phrases like “Entschuldigen Sie bitte” and “Verzeihung, bitte” is recommended when in formal settings or addressing someone of higher status. On the other hand, “Entschuldige bitte” and “Verzeih mir, bitte” are more appropriate for casual situations or interactions with friends and peers.
By learning these phrases and using them appropriately, you’ll make a positive impression and create smoother interactions during your time in a German-speaking country. So go ahead, practice these phrases, and embrace the German language and culture!
