How to Say ‘Unfortunately’ in German
Leider
LY-der
[LY-der]
💬 Usage Tip: Useful softener before bad news: Leider geht das nicht. It keeps you polite.
🇩🇪 In Germany: German often uses clear answers, but words like leider help keep the tone friendly.
Phrase Breakdown
Leider
[LY-der]
unfortunately
A polite way to introduce bad news or say something does not work.
Leider kann ich den Termin nicht wahrnehmen.
Unfortunately, I can’t make the appointment.
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