nein, tut mir leid
The English phrase 'no, sorry' can be translated into German as nein, tut mir leid.
This phrase is used to soften a refusal, making the 'no' sound less blunt or rude to the listener when you are declining a request or an offer.
Which one should you use?
While nein, tut mir leid expresses regret for being unable to comply with something, the phrase nein, danke is a more neutral way to decline an offer without implying an apology.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tut mir leid is often used as a shortened version of the full sentence Es tut mir leid.
Did you know?
- While nein, tut mir leid is polite, Germans often prefer to avoid the word nein entirely when declining, using phrases like leider nicht to sound even softer.
- The word leid in the phrase tut mir leid is actually a cognate of the English word 'loath', which describes a feeling of intense dislike or aversion.
- While tut mir leid means 'I am sorry', the phrase literally translates as 'it does me harm' or 'it causes me sorrow'.
Examples in context
- Nein, tut mir leid. Ich habe bereits andere Pläne.No, sorry. I already have other plans.
- Nein, tut mir leid, ich habe keine Zeit.No, sorry, I don't have time.
- Nein, tut mir leid, das möchte ich nicht.No, sorry, I don't want that.
- Nein, tut mir leid, ich kann nicht kommen.No, sorry, I cannot come.
Example conversation
Maximilian offers Hannah a piece of cake.
- MaximilianMöchtest du ein Stück Kuchen, Hannah?Would you like a piece of cake, Hannah?
- HannahNein, tut mir leid, ich bin schon satt.No, sorry, I am already full.
- MaximilianDas ist schade, er schmeckt sehr gut.That's a pity, it tastes very good.
- HannahVielleicht ein anderes Mal, Maximilian.Maybe another time, Maximilian.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leid, mir, nein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
