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How to Say ‘Sorry’ in German

Es tut mir leid

es toot meer lite

[es toot meer lite]

🇩🇪 In Germany: This expresses real regret or sympathy, like hearing bad news. For a small bump or a moment in someone's way, Entschuldigung fits better.

Phrase Breakdown

Es tut

es toot

It does

Literally 'it does'. Here it begins the apology. Say 'tut' with a short, clear 'u' like in 'put'.

Example

Es tut weh.

It hurts.

Words in this phrase

[es]

A neutral pronoun used to refer to a thing previously mentioned.

Example

Es ist ein schöner Tag.

It is a beautiful day.

tut

[toot]

does

Form of 'tun' (to do); with 'leid' it expresses regret.

Example

Das tut weh.

That hurts.

mir leid

meer lite

to me sorrow (I'm sorry)

'mir' means 'to me'. 'leid' sounds like English 'light' but with a 'd' at the end. Together with 'Es tut' it means 'I'm sorry'.

Example

Das tut mir leid.

I'm sorry about that.

Words in this phrase

mir

[meer]

to me

Dative pronoun used to show that something matters or happens to the speaker.

Example

Mir ist eine offene Kommunikation besonders wichtig.

Open communication is especially important to me.

leid

[lite]

sorry, regret

Used in 'leid tun' to express being sorry.

Example

Das tut uns leid.

We are sorry about that.

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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