😔💼⏰

How to Say ‘Unfortunately, I'm working then.’ in German

Da arbeite ich leider.

dah AR-by-teh ikh LYE-der

[dah AR-by-teh ikh LYE-der]

💬 Usage Tip: When da "then" comes first, the verb jumps ahead of ich: arbeite ich, not ich arbeite. Same with Morgen arbeite ich.

Phrase Breakdown

Da arbeite ich

dah AR-by-teh ikh

I work then

'Da' here means 'then / at that time'. The verb 'arbeite' comes second, before 'ich'. Stress AR-bei-te.

Example

Da arbeite ich im Büro.

I work in the office then.

Words in this phrase

[dah]

then, at that time

Refers back to a time just mentioned.

Example

Da bin ich nicht zu Hause.

I'm not at home then.

arbeite

[AR-by-teh]

work

'I' form of the verb 'arbeiten' (to work).

Example

Ich arbeite als Entwickler.

I work as a developer.

ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

leider.

LYE-der

unfortunately.

'Leider' means 'unfortunately'. It is used to politely decline. The 'ei' sounds like 'eye': LIE-der.

Example

Leider habe ich keine Zeit.

Unfortunately, I don't have time.

Words in this phrase

leider

[LYE-der]

unfortunately

A polite word used when giving bad news, such as a fee or restriction.

Example

Leider fällt Leider eine Gebühr an.

Unfortunately, a fee applies.

Guides for German learners

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