Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| wie schade | /viː ˈʃaːdə/ (word by word) |
| das ist aber schade | |
| schade | /ˈʃaːdə/ |
These expressions are used to express regret. You can use the single word schade as a standalone response to express sympathy or disappointment regarding a situation. For example, if you want to emphasize the regret, you can use echt schade (really a pity) or wirklich schade (truly a pity).
What does it mean word for word?
The word schade functions as an adjective or interjection meaning "pity" or "a shame".
Which one should you use?
The forms differ in their emphasis and structure. Schade! is a simple expression meaning "too bad" or "what a shame". The exclamatory form wie schade is used to emphasize the feeling of regret, similar to "how much of a pity".
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the reason for the pity, use the conjunction dass followed by a subordinate clause where the conjugated verb moves to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
/viː ˈʃaːdə/
Did you know?
- German uses the word schade to describe something that is 'too good' to waste, such as in the expression es wäre zu schade.
- The word schade is actually a survivor from an obsolete version of the noun Schaden, which means 'damage' or 'harm'.
Examples in context
- Schade, dass du nicht kommen kannst!What a pity it is that you can't come!This sentence shows how to express regret using schade regarding someone's inability to come.Tatoeba #1177080 by Sudajaengi, translation #71622 by CM
- Wie schade, dass ich keinen Garten habe!What a pity I don't have a garden.This sentence uses schade to express regret about not having a garden.Tatoeba #591243 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3089842 by patgfisher
- Wie schade, dass du nicht tanzen kannst!What a pity you can't dance!This sentence uses schade to express regret about someone's inability to dance.Tatoeba #943699 by Sudajaengi, translation #40319 by shanghainese
- Es ist bedauerlich, dass das Projekt nicht rechtzeitig abgeschlossen werden konnte.It is regrettable that the project couldn't be completed on time.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking about a cancelled trip.
- LauraDie Wanderung wurde leider abgesagt.The hike was unfortunately cancelled.
- MaximilianWie schade, Laura!What a pity, Laura!
- LauraJa, wir hatten uns so darauf gefreut.Yes, we were looking forward to it so much.
- MaximilianVielleicht können wir nächstes Wochenende gehen.Maybe we can go next weekend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what a pity” translations and entries schade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (wie, schade) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aber, das, schade, wie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
