Entschuldigung
[ent-SHOOL-dee-goong]
Excuse me / Sorry
Literal gloss:“Un-guilting / Pardon (noun)”
When to use:Safe across both Sie and du settings because no personal pronoun restricts it.
Word-by-Word Structure
| German | Meaning | Grammar Note |
|---|---|---|
| Entschuldigung | apology / excuse (f.) | -ung nouns are always feminine (die) |
Example Sentences in Context
On an ICE train or bus
Entschuldigung, ist dieser Platz noch frei?
Excuse me, is this seat still free?
Asking someone to repeat
Entschuldigung, ich habe Sie leider nicht gehört.
Excuse me, unfortunately I did not hear you.
Natural Alternatives
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte!Formal (Sie)
Imperative form — slightly more formal
- Verzeihung!Formal (Sie)
Elevated "Pardon me!"
Common Replies You Will Hear
- Kein Problem!Neutral
No problem!
- Macht nichts.Everyday / Spoken
Never mind / It does not matter.