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How to Say ‘Unfortunately’ in German

Leider

LY-der

[LY-der]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Starting a refusal or bad-news answer with leider softens it a little. You'll hear it often in service situations, even when the answer is still no.

Phrase Breakdown

Leider

[LY-der]

Unfortunately

Used to express that something is regrettably or sadly the case.

Example

Leider kann ich nicht kommen.

Unfortunately, I cannot come.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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