How to Say ‘I am sorry’ in German
Tut mir leid
toot meer lite
[toot meer lite]
Phrase Breakdown
Tut
[toot]
does / causes
From the verb 'tun' (to do). In 'Tut mir leid,' it is part of the fixed expression meaning 'I’m sorry.'
Es tut mir leid, dass das warme Wasser nicht funktioniert.
I’m sorry that the hot water is not working.
mir
[meer]
to me
Dative form of 'ich' used in expressions like 'tut mir leid' meaning 'is sorry to me' = 'I am sorry.'
Das ist mir unangenehm, weil das Wasser kalt ist.
That is unpleasant for me because the water is cold.
leid
[lite]
sorry / regrettable
Used in the fixed phrase 'tut mir leid' to express apology or sympathy.
Es ist mir leid, aber der Klempner kommt erst morgen.
I’m sorry, but the plumber is only coming tomorrow.
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