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How to Say ‘Delay’ in German

Verspätung

fair-SHPAY-toong

[fair-SHPAY-toong]

🇩🇪 In Germany: You'll hear Verspätung constantly in station announcements. It's also the standard, accepted excuse when you're late.

Phrase Breakdown

Verspätung

[fair-SHPAY-toong]

delay

Feminine noun; when something is later than planned.

Example

Der Flug hat eine Verspätung.

The flight has a delay.

Guides for German learners

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