Entschuldigung für die lange Wartezeit
The English phrase "sorry for the long wait" is translated into German as Entschuldigung für die lange Wartezeit.
This phrase is an apology used when someone has had to wait for a long time before being served or helped.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Entschuldigung (excuse/apology), für (for), die lange (the long) and Wartezeit (waiting time).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In a professional service setting, using a full sentence with Tut mir leid, dass Sie so lange warten mussten (I am sorry that you had to wait so long) is often more polite than the noun-based Entschuldigung für die lange Wartezeit. In casual German speech and among younger generations, using the English loanword Sorry für die lange Wartezeit is very common.
Did you know?
- The word Entschuldigung literally means 'de-guilting'. To apologize in German is to ask for the removal of your 'guilt' or 'debt' regarding a mistake.
- In many German service industries, rather than saying 'sorry', staff often use Vielen Dank für Ihre Geduld ('Thank you very much for your patience'). This shifts the focus from the mistake to the customer's positive behavior.
- The word für descends from the Proto-Germanic *furi, which was once used interchangeably with vor in certain locational contexts.
Examples in context
- Tut mir leid, dass du so lange warten musstest.I'm sorry you had to wait for so long.
- Entschuldigen Sie die lange Wartezeit.Please excuse the long wait.
- Es tut mir leid, dass Sie so lange warten mussten.I apologize for the fact that you had to wait for so long.
- Wir bitten um Entschuldigung für die lange Wartezeit.We apologize for the long wait.
Example conversation
Laura is helping Felix at a service desk.
- LauraHallo Felix, Entschuldigung für die lange Wartezeit.Hello Felix, sorry for the long wait.
- FelixDas macht nichts, ich habe Zeit.That's okay, I have time.
- LauraWie kann ich Ihnen heute helfen?How can I help you today?
- FelixIch möchte mein Paket abholen.I would like to pick up my package.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Entschuldigung, Wartezeit, die, für, lange, CC BY-SA 4.0.
