A genuine apology in German has a few common forms depending on how casual or sincere the moment calls for.
Ways to say it
Entschuldige, das wollte ich nicht.
Sorry, I didn't mean that.
Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät bin.
I'm sorry that I'm late.
Tut mir leid, ich habe es vergessen.
Sorry, I forgot.
Es Tut Mir Leid: Carrying Real Weight
Es tut mir leid translates literally as 'it causes me suffering,' which is exactly why it fits situations a plain 'excuse me' doesn't - forgetting an important date, causing real inconvenience, or expressing sympathy for someone else's bad news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Es tut mir leid and Tut mir leid?+
They're the same phrase — Tut mir leid just drops the "Es" for a shorter, more casual version. Use either one for a real apology.
Is Entschuldige the same as Entschuldigung?+
Entschuldige is the informal version, for friends and people your own age. Entschuldigung is more neutral and works almost anywhere.
Can I practice these with flashcards or a quiz?+
Yes — check the phrases you want using the checkboxes in the table, then use the bar at the bottom of the page to start Flashcards, Multiple Choice, or a Final Test.
Comments
Loading comments…
Sign in to leave a comment.
Practice tips
- ✓Tap play to hear each phrase before you try saying it yourself.
- ✓Notice which options are formal and which are informal before you use them.
- ✓Practice the example sentence, not just the phrase on its own — that's how it's actually used.