How to Say ‘I'm sorry.’ in German
Das tut mir leid.
dahs toot meer lite
[dahs toot meer lite]
💬 Usage Tip: Literally, this means That does me sorrow. German can sound dramatic in a charming way.
🇩🇪 In Germany: Hotel staff in Germany may sound a bit formal, but this phrase shows polite concern.
Phrase Breakdown
Das
[dahs]
that
Here it refers to the situation being discussed.
Das tut mir leid wegen des Lärms.
I am sorry about the noise.
tut
[toot]
does
Part of the fixed expression 'Das tut mir leid,' literally 'That does me sorrow,' meaning 'I'm sorry.'
Das tut mir wirklich leid.
I am really sorry.
mir
[meer]
to me
Used in the expression to show personal feeling: 'I am sorry.'
Das tut mir sehr leid.
I am very sorry.
leid
[lite]
sorry
Part of the expression meaning regret or sympathy.
Das tut mir leid, ich kümmere mich darum.
I'm sorry, I'll take care of it.
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