How to say "Sorry" in German

In German-speaking cultures, apologies carry more weight than in English. Using the wrong level of formality can sound overly casual or stiff, depending on the situation. Age, social status, and the severity of the mistake all influence which phrase you choose. Beginners should default to Entschuldigung in most cases, as it strikes a balance between politeness and simplicity. Avoid overusing Tut mir leid unless you’re genuinely expressing personal regret—it sounds more emotional and less like a standard apology for minor mistakes.

1. Casual or minor mistakes (friends, peers, or strangers in informal settings) Use Sorry or Entschuldigung interchangeably, but Sorry is more relaxed and modern. It’s perfect for bumping into someone or small oversights.

   • Sorry, ich habe dich nicht gesehen! "Sorry, I didn’t see you there!"
   • Entschuldigung, ist hier noch frei? "Excuse me, is this seat free?"

2. Formal or professional settings (work, service interactions, or addressing strangers) Entschuldigung is the safest choice. It’s polite without being overly emotional. Avoid Sorry in these contexts—it can sound too informal.

   • Entschuldigung, wo finde ich die Toiletten? "Excuse me, where can I find the restrooms?"
   • Entschuldigung, ich habe den Termin verpasst. "I apologize for missing the appointment."

3. Serious mistakes or personal regret (when you’ve caused real trouble) Tut mir leid is the strongest option. It conveys deep regret and is often used for personal apologies, like being late or disappointing someone. Pair it with an explanation for best effect.

   • Tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät komme. Der Zug hatte Verspätung. "I’m really sorry I’m late. The train was delayed."
   • Tut mir leid, ich habe deine Gefühle verletzt. "I’m truly sorry I hurt your feelings."

4. Written apologies (emails, letters, or notes) Entschuldigung is standard in formal writing. For personal notes, Tut mir leid can work but feels more intimate. Avoid Sorry in writing unless it’s a very casual context.

   • Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, Entschuldigung für die Verzögerung. "Dear Sir or Madam, I apologize for the delay."
   • Lieber Max, Tut mir leid, dass ich gestern nicht da war. "Dear Max, I’m sorry I wasn’t there yesterday."

👉 Most useful for daily life: Memorize Entschuldigung first. It’s versatile, polite, and works in almost any situation—from cafés to job interviews. Use Sorry only with friends or in very casual settings, and save Tut mir leid for when you genuinely need to express deep regret.