Entschuldigung
neutral
In Austria you say Entschuldigung for a small apology, Tut mir leid when you are truly sorry and Verzeihung in a formal way.
Meaning: apology (phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Entschuldigung | neutral |
| Verzeihung | formal |
| Tut mir leid | sincere |
Entschuldigung also gets someone's attention or lets you pass in a crowd. Tut mir leid is for a mistake or bad news.
Which one should you use?
Young Austrians also say Sorry in casual speech, borrowed from English.
Did you know?
- Macht nichts literally means "makes nothing" and is a common reply to an apology.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigung, ich bin zu spät.Sorry, I am late.
- Das tut mir leid.I am sorry about that.
- Verzeihung, ist hier noch frei?Excuse me, is this seat free?
Example conversation
Paul bumps into a stranger named Karin on a crowded tram in Vienna.
- PaulEntschuldigung!Sorry!
- KarinMacht nichts.No problem.
- PaulTut mir leid.I am sorry.
