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How to Say ‘No, sorry.’ in German

Nein, tut mir leid.

nine toot meer lite

[nine toot meer lite]

💬 Usage Tip: tut mir leid literally means "does me sorrow" and always stays in this form. Use it to refuse politely, not only to apologise.

Phrase Breakdown

Nein, tut

nine toot

No, (it) does

'Nein' rhymes with English 'nine'. 'tut' (from 'tun', to do) has a long 'u' like in 'toot'. It starts the fixed apology 'tut mir leid'.

Example

Nein, tut mir leid, ich weiß es nicht.

No, sorry, I don't know.

Words in this phrase

Nein

[nine]

"Nein" means "no" and can correct a misunderstanding politely or firmly.

Example

Nein, der Treffpunkt ist nicht vorne.

No, the meeting point is not in front.

tut

[toot]

does

Form of 'tun' (to do); part of the set phrase 'tut mir leid' (I'm sorry).

Example

Das tut mir wirklich leid.

I'm really sorry about that.

mir leid.

meer lite

me sorry

Together with 'tut', this means 'I'm sorry'. 'mir' sounds like 'meer'. 'leid' sounds like English 'light' but ends in a soft 't'.

Example

Das tut mir leid.

I'm sorry about that.

Words in this phrase

mir

[meer]

me / to me

Dative pronoun meaning 'to me' or 'for me' depending on context.

Example

Können Sie mir bitte zurückrufen?

Can you please call me back?

leid

[lite]

sorry

Express regret or Sympathy.

Example

Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät bin.

I'm sorry that I'm late.

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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