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How to Say ‘But unfortunately I have to leave soon.’ in German

Aber ich muss leider bald los.

ah-ber ikh moos LY-der bahlt lohs

[ah-ber ikh moos LY-der bahlt lohs]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Adding leider softens the exit, so it sounds like you'd rather stay. It's a polite, friendly way to wrap things up.

Phrase Breakdown

Aber ich muss

ah-ber ikh moos

But I have to

'Aber' means 'but' and is stressed on the first syllable: A-ber. Link it smoothly with 'ich muss'.

Example

Aber ich muss jetzt gehen.

But I have to go now.

Words in this phrase

Aber

[ah-ber]

But

Used to introduce a contrasting view or statement.

Example

Ich mag Tee, aber ich liebe Kaffee.

I like tea, but I love coffee.

ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

muss

[moos]

must

Shows necessity or obligation.

Example

Ich muss Bescheid geben., weil das Restaurant planen muss.

I have to let them know because the restaurant has to plan.

leider bald los.

LY-der bahlt lohs

unfortunately leave soon.

'leider' (unfortunately) softens the statement and makes it polite. 'ei' sounds like English 'eye': LEI-der.

Example

Ich habe leider keine Zeit.

Unfortunately I have no time.

Words in this phrase

leider

[LY-der]

unfortunately

A polite way to introduce bad news or say something does not work.

Example

Leider kann ich den Termin nicht wahrnehmen.

Unfortunately, I can’t make the appointment.

bald

[bahlt]

soon

An adverb meaning soon; common in friendly farewells.

Example

Ich hoffe, wir sprechen bald nach der Messe noch einmal.

I hope we speak again soon after the fair.

los

[lohs]

go / let's go

A short motivating word used to start action.

Example

Los, wir gehen jetzt zur Bühne.

Come on, we’re going to the stage now.

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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