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How to Say ‘That's unfortunately how it's regulated’ in German

Das ist leider so geregelt

dahs ist LY-dair zoh ge-RAY-gelt

[dahs ist LY-dair zoh ge-RAY-gelt]

🇩🇪 In Germany: A typical way to point to the rules: it's polite, but it signals that there isn't much room to negotiate. You can still ask to see the tariff, which taxis must display.

Phrase Breakdown

Das ist leider

dahs ist LY-dair

That is unfortunately

'Leider' means 'unfortunately'. It sounds like 'LIE-der'.

Example

Das ist leider zu spät.

That is unfortunately too late.

Words in this phrase

Das

[dahs]

that / it

Can refer to a thing, item, or dish in front of you.

Example

Was ist das? Das Wort das can mean that or it.

What is that? The word das can mean that or it.

ist

[ist]

A form of the verb 'sein' used for singular subjects.

Example

Für viele Bewerber Ist ein gutes Teamklima entscheidend.

For many applicants, a good team climate is crucial.

leider

[LY-dair]

unfortunately

Adds mock regret. In playful flirting, it often sounds dramatic rather than serious.

Example

Leider bist du gerade interessant genug geworden, dass ich bleiben muss.

Unfortunately, you’ve just become interesting enough that I have to stay.

so geregelt

zoh ge-RAY-gelt

how it's regulated

'Geregelt' comes from 'regeln' (to regulate). Together, the phrase means 'those are the rules'.

Example

Das ist gesetzlich geregelt.

That's regulated by law.

Words in this phrase

[zoh]

so; like that

Used to mean 'like that' or 'that way'.

Example

Im Moment ist es so, dass nur kaltes Wasser kommt.

At the moment, it is like this: only cold water is coming.

geregelt

[ge-RAY-gelt]

regulated; arranged

Past participle of 'regeln', set by rules.

Example

Das ist gesetzlich geregelt.

That is regulated by law.

Guides for German learners

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