Short answer
“excuse me” in German is Entschuldigung
How to say excuse me in German?
How to say excuse me in German? The most common and versatile expression is 'Entschuldigung' (ent-shul-di-gung), which works for getting attention, apologizing briefly, or navigating through a crowd. For formal situations, use 'Entschuldigen Sie' (ent-shul-di-gen zee), while 'Entschuldige' is the casual form for friends and family. If you need to sound especially polite or sincerely apologetic, 'Verzeihung' is an excellent formal alternative. Mastering these phrases ensures you strike the right tone in everyday German conversation.
Common pairings
sich entschuldigen (to apologize)um Entschuldigung bitten (to ask for forgiveness)Entschuldigung annehmen (to accept an apology)jemanden um Verzeihung bitten (to beg someone's pardon)
How to use it
- Use 'Entschuldigung' as a standalone phrase for getting attention, bumping into someone, or asking a quick question in shops, trains, or streets. It is always safe in neutral-to-formal situations.
- Use 'Entschuldigen Sie' (formal 'Sie') when speaking to strangers, older people, or in work environments. Use 'Entschuldige' (informal 'du') when talking to friends, family, or people your age in casual settings. Mixing these up can make you sound either too stiff or overly familiar.
- Use 'Verzeihung' when you want to sound considerably more polite or apologetic, such as after accidentally bumping into someone heavily or making a social faux pas.
Examples
Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zum Hauptbahnhof?
Excuse me, how do I get to the main train station?
'Entschuldigung' is the all-purpose standard form, suitable for almost any everyday situation.
Entschuldigen Sie, kann ich hier durch?
Excuse me, may I come through here?
'Entschuldigen Sie' is the formal imperative, best for addressing strangers, authority figures, or in professional settings.
Entschuldige, ich habe deine Nachricht nicht gesehen.
Sorry, I didn't see your message.
'Entschuldige' is the informal du-form for friends, family, and people younger than you in casual contexts.
Verzeihung, das war keine Absicht.
Excuse me / I beg your pardon, that was not intentional.
'Verzeihung' is a slightly more formal and heartfelt expression compared to 'Entschuldigung'.
Common mistakes
| Wrong | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Entschuldigen |
Entschuldigen Sie, wo ist das Rathaus? | In the formal imperative, 'Sie' is required as the subject (Entschuldigen Sie). Using 'mich' (me) confuses the subject with the object of the sentence. |
| Entschuldigung | The spelling is tricky because of the prefix 'Ent-' and the middle '-schul-'. Learners often drop the 's' or the 'u'. Remember: Ent-schul-dig-gung. |
| Unnatural | Natural | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Entschuldigen Sie |
Entschuldigen Sie, wo ist der Bahnhof? | 'Entschuldigen Sie mich' literally asks to be excused from a situation, like leaving a meeting early. To simply get someone's attention or ask a question, use 'Entschuldigen Sie'. |
FAQ
- How to say excuse me in German?The most common and standard German expression is 'Entschuldigung'. For formal settings, use 'Entschuldigen Sie', and for friends or family, use 'Entschuldige'.
- What is the best formal way to say 'excuse me' in German?The best formal way is 'Entschuldigen Sie' (e.g., 'Entschuldigen Sie, wo ist die Bank?'). 'Verzeihung' is also formal and conveys a stronger apology.
- Can I use the English word 'Sorry' in German?Yes, 'Sorry' is frequently used in casual German conversation, especially among younger people. However, 'Entschuldigung' remains the safest and most universally understood way to say 'excuse me'.