How to Say “Sorry to Bother You” in German

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Entschuldigung für die Störung
The English phrase "sorry to bother you" can be expressed in German as Entschuldigung für die Störung.
This phrase is a polite expression used to apologize for interrupting or disturbing someone. It is commonly used at the beginning of a conversation to acknowledge the interruption, or at the end of a conversation to apologize for taking up someone's time.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of Entschuldigung (apology/excuse), für (for) and die Störung (the disturbance/interruption).

Which one should you use?

While Entschuldigung für die Störung is a standard way to express this, you may also use Entschuldigen Sie die Störung or Verzeihen Sie die Unterbrechung to say "Sorry for the disturbance" or "Forgive the interruption". Es tut mir leid, dass ich Sie belästige can mean "I'm sorry for bothering you". In casual settings, you might instead use the question Störe ich? to ask "Am I disturbing you?" to check if it is a good time to talk.

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

Entschuldigung für die Störung is formal and suitable for professional environments or when speaking to strangers. For informal situations, you can use Entschuldige die Störung for "Sorry for the disturbance" or Entschuldigung, dass ich dich störe for "Sorry for bothering you".

Did you know?

  • The noun Entschuldigung literally translates to 'the un-guilt-ing'. It is derived from a verb that means to take the guilt away from someone.
  • If you use the word belästigen to say you are bothering someone, be careful. In German, this verb carries a much stronger connotation of 'harassing' or 'annoying' than the English 'bothering' does.
  • The word Störung shares a common ancestor with the English word 'stirring'. While a 'stirring' in English often implies movement or excitement, in German, it focuses on the disruption of a state of rest.

Examples in context

  • Entschuldigen Sie die Störung, aber könnten Sie mir bitte behilflich sein?
    Sorry to bother you, but could you please help me?
  • Entschuldigung für die Störung, aber ich habe eine Frage.
    Sorry to bother you, but I have a question.
  • Entschuldigung für die Störung, darf ich kurz etwas fragen?
    Sorry to bother you, may I ask something quickly?

Example conversation

Julia approaches Lukas at his desk in an office.

  1. Julia

    Entschuldigung für die Störung, Lukas, hast du kurz Zeit?
    Sorry to bother you, Lukas, do you have a moment?
  2. Lukas

    Hallo Julia, ja, ich kann kurz sprechen.
    Hello Julia, yes, I can talk for a moment.
  3. Julia

    Ich brauche Hilfe bei diesem Dokument.
    I need help with this document.
  4. Lukas

    Kein Problem, ich schaue es mir sofort an.
    No problem, I will look at it immediately.

Sources

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Melanie Donna
Melanie DonnaHelp 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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