How to Say "I'm sorry" in German
The most natural way to say "I'm sorry" in German is Es tut mir leid. 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
When to use it
You can use this phrase when you want to apologize for a mistake or an inconvenience. It is appropriate in both formal and informal situations. It shows empathy and understanding towards the other person's feelings.
Say it out loud, get corrected
Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I'm sorry" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.
Examples in German
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu sp盲t bin. | I am sorry that I am late. |
| Es tut mir leid, ich habe das nicht gewusst. | I am sorry, I did not know that. |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Es tut mir leid, 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 'Es tut mir leid'?
Use it when you want to apologize for something you did or didn't do.
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