Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| leider | /ˈlaɪ̯dɐ/ |
| unglücklicherweise | /ˌʊnɡlʏklɪçɐˈvaɪ̯zə/ |
| bedauerlicherweise | /bəˌdaʊ̯ɐlɪçɐˈvaɪ̯zə/ |
These words are used to describe something that is happening through bad luck.
What does it mean word for word?
The word unglücklicherweise is built from unglücklich (unlucky) and the suffix -weise (in a manner of), literally meaning 'unluckily'.
Which one should you use?
leider is the most common and versatile way to say 'unfortunately' in everyday German. Unglücklicherweise is more formal and emphasizes the element of bad luck or misfortune. Bedauerlicherweise is a more formal and elongated term that conveys the same meaning as 'unfortunately' and is used in formal contexts to express regret or that something is regrettable.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Bedauerlicherweise is widely used and understood throughout Germany and Austria in Standard German.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you start a sentence with leider, the verb must come immediately after it (V2 rule).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlaɪ̯dɐ/
Did you know?
- You can use the root of leider, which is Leid (sorrow/suffering), to form many other words related to pain or sadness, such as leidenschaftlich (passionately), which literally implies something that causes intense feeling.
- The word leider is actually a comparative adjective in disguise. It stems from the Old High German word for 'suffering' or 'sorrow', meaning that saying 'unfortunately' is etymologically equivalent to saying something is 'more sorrowful'.
- Because leider is so short and common, it is often used as a 'modal particle' to soften a rejection in conversation. It makes a 'no' sound much more polite and less abrupt to a German speaker.
Examples in context
- Leider bin ich spät.Unfortunately, I'm late.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of leider to describe being late.Tatoeba #11905117 by Naina, translation #2965415 by astyng
- Leider kam er nicht.Unfortunately, he didn't come.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of leider to describe someone not coming.Tatoeba #12404537 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11605121 by CH
- Leider war er ein Kerl.Unfortunately, it was a guy.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of leider to describe a person.Tatoeba #3074927 by faehrmann, translation #3074330 by DJ_Saidez
- 298 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are talking on the phone about a movie.
- SarahMöchtest du heute Abend ins Kino gehen?Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
- JulianLeider muss ich heute arbeiten.Unfortunately, I have to work today.
- SarahDas ist sehr schade, Julian.That is a great pity, Julian.
- JulianVielleicht klappt es ja am Wochenende.Maybe it will work out on the weekend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unfortunately” translations and entries leider, unglücklicherweise, bedauerlicherweise, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bedauerlicherweise, leider, unglücklicherweise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
