How to Say “Sorry for the Inconvenience” in German

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Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten
Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten is the German way to say "sorry for the inconvenience".
This phrase is a polite expression used to apologize for causing trouble or problems for someone. It is most commonly used in written notices, such as signs in shops or emails, rather than in casual spoken conversation.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of Entschuldigung (apology/excuse), für (for), die (the) and Unannehmlichkeiten (inconveniences).

Which one should you use?

While Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten is a standard way to express this, you may encounter different forms depending on the level of formality. For example, Es tut mir leid für die Unannehmlichkeiten translates to "I'm sorry for the inconvenience", whereas Ich möchte mich für die entstandenen Unannehmlichkeiten entschuldigen is a more elaborate way to say "I would like to apologize for the inconvenience caused".

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

In highly formal business correspondence, such as a notice from a company, it is more common to use the verb-based phrase Wir bitten die Unannehmlichkeiten zu entschuldigen (We ask you to excuse the inconveniences). If you want to express a personal apology, Es tut mir leid für die Unannehmlichkeiten is a formal option. For an informal situation, you can say Es tut mir echt leid wegen der Unannehmlichkeiten (I'm really sorry about the inconvenience).

How does it change in a sentence?

The noun Unannehmlichkeiten is the plural form of Unannehmlichkeit, which is the standard form used for this expression in German.

Did you know?

  • The word Schuld inside the apology Entschuldigung means both 'guilt' and 'debt'. This reflects a historical worldview where owing someone an apology is similar to owing them a financial debt.
  • The word Unannehmlichkeiten is built from the root nehm (to take), suggesting something that is 'not easy to take' or 'un-take-able'.
  • Unlike the English 'sorry', which describes a feeling of regret, the German Entschuldigung is a noun that functions as a request for a legal or social release from blame.

Examples in context

  • Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten.
    Sorry for the inconvenience.
    This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten.
    Tatoeba #1570310 by Espi, translation #1536257 by wallebot
  • Entschuldigen Sie bitte die Unannehmlichkeiten. Es tut mir leid, dass Ihr Flug verspätet ist.
    I apologize for the inconvenience. I'm sorry that your flight is delayed.
  • Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten durch die Baustelle.
    Sorry for the inconvenience caused by the construction site.
  • Wir bitten um Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten.
    We apologize for the inconvenience.

Example conversation

Lukas is informing Laura about a delayed meeting.

  1. Lukas

    Hallo Laura, ich komme zehn Minuten später.
    Hello Laura, I will be ten minutes late.
  2. Laura

    Das ist kein Problem, ich warte hier.
    That is no problem, I will wait here.
  3. Lukas

    Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten.
    Sorry for the inconvenience.
  4. Laura

    Keine Sorge, Lukas. Bis gleich!
    Don't worry, Lukas. See you soon!

Sources

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Connie Alicia
Connie AliciaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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