How to Say ‘I'm sorry.’ in German
Das tut mir leid.
dahs toot meer lite
[dahs toot meer lite]
💬 Usage Tip: A very common polite apology. Memorize it as one chunk.
🇩🇪 In Germany: In Germany, this is a normal professional response to a problem, even before a solution is offered.
Phrase Breakdown
Das
[dahs]
that
Refers to the problem or situation being discussed.
Das ist wirklich schade.
That is really a pity.
Tut mir leid
toot meer lite
I’m sorry
Common phrase to express sympathy or an apology.
Es tut mir leid.
I’m sorry.
Words in this phrase
tut
[toot]
does / makes
Part of the fixed expression meaning 'I am sorry.'
Das tut weh.
That hurts.
mir
[meer]
to me
A pronoun used in the expression to show personal regret.
Das scheint mir richtig.
That seems right to me.
leid
[lite]
sorry
Expresses sympathy or apology in the phrase.
Es ist mir leid.
I am sorry.
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