undskyld
/ˈonˌsɡylˀ/
In Danish, 'sorry' can be expressed as undskyld or beklager.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
Ways to say it
| Danish | IPA |
|---|---|
| undskyld | /ˈonˌsɡylˀ/ |
| beklager |
The most common and straightforward way to say sorry in Danish is by using the word undskyld.
Which one should you use?
While 'undskyld' can stand alone, 'beklager' is a verb that usually requires a subject like 'jeg' (I) to form a complete sentence. beklager is a more formal way to express regret, often used in professional settings or when expressing sympathy.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈonˌsɡylˀ/
Did you know?
- The word undskyld shares a common ancestor with the English word 'exculpate', which means to clear someone from blame.
- In Danish culture, an apology like undskyld is often expected to be brief and direct, as over-apologizing can be perceived as insincere or awkward.
- While undskyld is used for apologies, Danes use the phrase fortryder to express that they personally regret an action, though it is not used to ask for forgiveness.
Examples in context
- Det beklager jeg meget.I am very sorry.This sentence demonstrates the use of beklager.Tatoeba #3120197 by danepo, translation #436449 by lukaszpp
- Undskyld, noget gik galt.Sorry, something went wrong.This sentence shows how undskyld is used.Tatoeba #5624105 by danepo, translation #1453805 by Spamster
- Undskyld jeg råbte ad dig.I'm sorry I yelled at you.This sentence uses undskyld.Tatoeba #1855261 by danepo, translation #1855195 by Spamster
- Undskyld, jeg kom for sent til mødet.Sorry, I arrived late to the meeting.
- Tak for din undskyldning.Thank you for your apology.
- Undskyld, jeg tabte din blyant.Sorry, I dropped your pencil.
- Beklager meget for at aflyse vores planer.I'm very sorry for canceling our plans.
- Det er okay. Vi kan arrangere noget andet senere.It's okay. We can arrange something else later.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah accidentally bumps into Sofie in a narrow hallway.
- NoahUndskyld, jeg så dig ikke.Sorry, I did not see you.
- SofieDet er helt okay, Noah.It is completely okay, Noah.
- NoahEr du kommet til skade?Did you get hurt?
- SofieNej, jeg har det fint.No, I am fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries undskyld, beklager, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries undskyld, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
