Germans are known for their precision and straightforwardness when it comes to communication. Expressing regret is an important part of language learning as it allows you to convey your emotions effectively. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “regret” in German, covering both formal and informal usage.
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Formal Ways to Say Regret
When you want to express regret in a formal context, such as in a business setting or when speaking to someone older or in a higher position, the following phrases will be appropriate to use:
- Es tut mir leid. – Literally meaning “It is sorry to me,” this phrase is a direct translation of “I’m sorry” or “I regret.”
- Bedauern – This noun translates to “regret” in German. You can use it in a sentence like “Ich bedaure die Unannehmlichkeiten” (I regret the inconvenience).
- Leider muss ich Ihnen mitteilen – This translates to “Unfortunately, I have to inform you.” It is often used in formal situations when conveying regretful news.
- Es macht mich traurig – This translates to “It makes me sad.” It can be used to express deep regret or sorrow in a formal manner.
Informal Ways to Say Regret
When speaking in a casual or informal setting, such as with friends or family, you have more flexibility in how you express regret. Here are a few informal phrases commonly used:
- Es tut mir leid. – This phrase, which we mentioned earlier, can be also used in informal situations. It is the most commonly used expression for saying “I’m sorry” in everyday German.
- Sorry – While this is an English loanword, it is widely understood and used by younger Germans. Pronounced as “sor-ry,” it is used similarly to how it is in English.
- Entschuldigung – Literally meaning “Excuse me” or “Apology,” this word can be used in a more casual setting to express regret, akin to saying “my bad” in English.
- Tut mir echt leid – This phrase means “I’m really sorry” and adds emphasis to express deeper regret.
Regional Variations of Saying Regret
Across the German-speaking regions, there can be some variations in the way regret is expressed. However, it’s worth noting that they are not vast and the phrases mentioned earlier will be universally understood. Nevertheless, here are a couple of regional variations:
Im Leid sein – This phrase is used in some southern German dialects and can be translated as “being in sorrow.”
Now that you have an idea of how to express regret in different situations, let’s look at a few examples to help solidify your understanding:
Examples:
Formal:
- Es tut mir leid, aber ich muss den Termin absagen. – I’m sorry, but I have to cancel the appointment.
- Bedaure, aber ich kann Ihnen nicht weiterhelfen. – I regret it, but I can’t assist you.
- Leider muss ich Ihnen mitteilen, dass Ihr Antrag abgelehnt wurde. – Unfortunately, I have to inform you that your application has been rejected.
- Es macht mich traurig, von Ihrem Verlust zu hören. – It makes me sad to hear about your loss.
Informal:
- Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät gekommen bin. – I’m sorry I came late.
- Sorry, ich habe deinen Geburtstag vergessen. – Sorry, I forgot your birthday.
- Entschuldigung, ich habe das Glas versehentlich umgestoßen. – Excuse me, I accidentally knocked over the glass.
- Tut mir echt leid, dass ich dich verletzt habe. – I’m really sorry that I hurt you.
Remember, effectively expressing regret in German is not only about using the right phrases but also showing genuine empathy and concern. Being sincere in your apologies will help strengthen your relationships and communication skills in the German language.
