Bitte entschuldige dich
The English phrase "please apologize" is translated into German as Bitte entschuldige dich.
This phrase is used to request that someone say sorry for something they have done wrong.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally constructed as Please excuse yourself, where entschuldigen means to excuse or pardon.
Which one should you use?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing: use Bitte entschuldige dich for one person you know well, Bitte entschuldigt euch for a group of friends or peers and Bitte entschuldigen Sie sich for a person you are addressing with respect or distance.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone with respect or distance, the phrase changes from the informal Bitte entschuldige dich to the formal Bitte entschuldigen Sie sich. If you are asking a group of friends or peers to apologize, you use the plural form Bitte entschuldigt euch.
Did you know?
- The verb entschuldigen literally means 'to remove the guilt' or 'to un-guilt' someone, as Schuld means both 'guilt' and 'debt'.
- In Germany, asking someone to apologize using Bitte entschuldige dich can be perceived as more aggressive or demanding than in English, as it explicitly orders the other person to perform the act of atonement.
- While Bitte entschuldige dich asks for an apology, the word Bitte is also used alone to mean 'you are welcome' after someone says 'thank you'.
Examples in context
- Bitte entschuldige dich bei ihr.Please apologize to her.
- Bitte entschuldige dich für deinen Fehler.Please apologize for your mistake.
- Bitte entschuldige dich sofort!Please apologize immediately!
Example conversation
Sarah is telling Maximilian to make amends after an argument.
- SarahDu warst wirklich unhöflich.You were really rude.
- MaximilianEs tut mir leid.I am sorry.
- SarahBitte entschuldige dich bei ihr richtig.Please apologize to her properly.
- MaximilianDas werde ich tun.I will do that.
