Ways to say it
| Dutch |
|---|
| pardon? |
| sorry? |
| excuseer? |
As an interjection, these words are used to request that someone repeat what they have said. When you use pardon without a question mark, it is used politely to get someone's attention or to apologize for a small bump.
Which one should you use?
pardon? is more formal than sorry?, which is the most common way to ask someone to repeat themselves in casual, everyday Dutch. The form excuseer? is a very formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to ask someone to repeat something.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word pardon is used formally. The form excuseer? is very formal and carries an old-fashioned tone. In contrast, sorry? is casual and the phrase Wat zeg je? or the single word Huh? are informal ways to ask for clarification.
Related words
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly try to use pardon as a verb, such as in the phrase 'pardon me'. In Dutch, it is primarily used as an interjection or a noun.
Did you know?
- Be careful with your tone when using pardon? While it is a polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves, a sharp or loud delivery can accidentally make it sound like you are expressing indignation or disbelief.
- In the Netherlands, saying pardon? with a rising intonation is a standard request for repetition, but saying pardon with a falling intonation is the most common way to push past someone in a crowded space.
- The Dutch word pardon can also be a noun referring to a formal act of forgiveness. This is used in legal or official contexts, much like the English word 'pardon'.
Examples in context
- Pardon?Pardon?This sentence is useful for practicing the form pardon?Tatoeba #7327958 by MarijnKp, translation #5366784 by GamalNemeri
- Excuseer, mag ik u wat vragen?Excuse me, may I ask you something?
- Pardon, kunt u mij helpen?Pardon, can you help me?
- Sorry, mag ik er even langs?Sorry, may I pass through?
- Huh? Wat bedoel je?Huh? What do you mean?
- Wat zeg je? Ik verstond je niet.What are you saying? I didn't understand you.
- Pardon? Ik kon u niet verstaan.Pardon? I could not hear you.
- Pardon? Kunt u dat nog eens herhalen?Pardon? Can you repeat that once more?
Example conversation
Julia and Daan are talking in a noisy cafe.
- JuliaIk wil graag een koffie.I would like a coffee.
- DaanPardon? Wat zei je, Julia?Pardon? What did you say, Julia?
- JuliaIk zei dat ik koffie wil.I said that I want coffee.
- DaanAh, ik begrijp het nu.Ah, I understand now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pardon” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
