馃嚛馃嚜 German phrases

How to Say "Forgive me" in German

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Entschuldige mich
"Forgive me" in German 路 say it like ent-shool-dee-guh mikh

The most natural way to say "Forgive me" in German is Entschuldige mich. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Entschuldigung
more formal, often used in public or with strangers
Tut mir leid
casual, often used among friends

When to use it

You can use this phrase when you want to apologize for a mistake or a minor inconvenience. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations. If you bump into someone or interrupt a conversation, this phrase is suitable.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Forgive me" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in German

GermanEnglish
Entschuldige mich, ich habe nicht aufgepasst.Forgive me, I wasn't paying attention.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'Entschuldigung' with 'Entschuldige mich'; the former is a noun and can be used as a standalone apology.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Entschuldige mich, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking German with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'Tut mir leid' instead of 'Entschuldige mich'?

'Tut mir leid' is more casual and is best used among friends or in informal settings.

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