Bedeutung
Used to apologize for a wrongdoing or to express sympathy.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The British use 'sorry' as a way to avoid conflict. They might say it if you step on *their* foot, just to make the situation less awkward. Canadians are world-famous for apologizing. It is seen as a sign of politeness and humility, not necessarily an admission of guilt. In the US, an apology is often expected to be followed by a solution. Just saying 'sorry' might not be enough in a business context. Japanese learners often use 'sorry' when they mean 'thank you' (e.g., when someone gives them a gift), because in Japanese, 'sumimasen' covers both. In English, always say 'Thank you' for gifts!
The 'For' Rule
Always use 'for' if you want to give a reason. 'I'm sorry for the delay.'
Don't say 'I sorry'
This is the most common mistake. Always include 'am' or ''m'.
Bedeutung
Used to apologize for a wrongdoing or to express sympathy.
The 'For' Rule
Always use 'for' if you want to give a reason. 'I'm sorry for the delay.'
Don't say 'I sorry'
This is the most common mistake. Always include 'am' or ''m'.
Rising Tone
If you didn't hear someone, say 'Sorry?' with a rising voice like a question.
British Reflex
If you are in London and someone bumps you, say 'sorry' anyway to be extra polite!
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best response for the situation.
You bump into someone at the supermarket. What do you say?
'I'm sorry!' is the most natural reaction to a small physical accident.
Fill in the missing word.
I'm sorry ____ being late to the party.
We use 'for' + [verb-ing] to give a reason for an apology.
Match the phrase to the context.
1. I'm sorry? 2. I'm so sorry for your loss. 3. My bad!
Each variation of 'sorry' fits a specific social register and purpose.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I'm afraid I broke your favorite mug. B: _________
When someone says 'I'm sorry,' the standard response is to forgive them with 'That's okay' or 'No problem.'
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
The 3 Faces of Sorry
Apology
- • Bumping into someone
- • Being late
- • Breaking something
Sympathy
- • Friend is sick
- • Bad news
- • Loss of a pet
Clarification
- • Didn't hear
- • Confused
- • Need repetition
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenYou bump into someone at the supermarket. What do you say?
'I'm sorry!' is the most natural reaction to a small physical accident.
I'm sorry ____ being late to the party.
We use 'for' + [verb-ing] to give a reason for an apology.
1. I'm sorry? 2. I'm so sorry for your loss. 3. My bad!
Each variation of 'sorry' fits a specific social register and purpose.
A: I'm afraid I broke your favorite mug. B: _________
When someone says 'I'm sorry,' the standard response is to forgive them with 'That's okay' or 'No problem.'
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragen'I'm sorry' is more personal and emotional. 'I apologize' is more formal and focuses on the fact of the mistake.
Yes, 'I'm so sorry for your loss' is the standard way to express sympathy.
'Sorry' is fine for small things (bumping into someone). 'I'm sorry' is better for bigger mistakes.
You can say 'That's okay,' 'No problem,' 'Don't worry about it,' or 'It's fine.'
It's not rude with friends, but it can sound disrespectful to a boss or a teacher.
It's a cultural habit used to maintain politeness and avoid any hint of aggression.
No, but 'apology' is the noun form. You 'give an apology' or 'say sorry'.
It's a slang phrase used when someone does something they know others might dislike, but they don't actually regret it.
Yes, but often it's better to say 'Thank you for your patience' to stay positive.
No, use 'Excuse me' for that. Use 'Sorry' only if you are interrupting someone who is busy.
Verwandte Redewendungen
I apologize
formalA formal way to say you are sorry.
My bad
informalSlang for 'it was my fault'.
Excuse me
similarUsed to get attention or move past someone.
Pardon me
formalA very polite way to apologize or ask for repetition.
I regret to inform you
specialized formA formal way to deliver bad news.
