Bedeutung
Expresses regret or apology.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'Pardon' vs 'Désolé' distinction is sharp. Using 'désolé' for a small bump makes you sound like you're overreacting. In Quebec, 'Désolé' is used more frequently and broadly, often influenced by the English 'Sorry'. In many Francophone African countries, social harmony is paramount. An apology like 'Désolé' is often followed by 'C'est pas grave' (It's not serious) to immediately restore peace. Belgians might use 'S'il vous plaît' in contexts where French people expect an apology or a request, but 'Désolé' remains the standard for regret.
The 'E' is silent
Whether you write 'Désolé' or 'Désolée', the pronunciation is exactly the same. The extra 'e' is only for the eyes!
Don't over-apologize
In France, apologizing for things that aren't your fault can seem strange. Keep your 'désolés' for when you actually made a mistake.
Bedeutung
Expresses regret or apology.
The 'E' is silent
Whether you write 'Désolé' or 'Désolée', the pronunciation is exactly the same. The extra 'e' is only for the eyes!
Don't over-apologize
In France, apologizing for things that aren't your fault can seem strange. Keep your 'désolés' for when you actually made a mistake.
Add 'vraiment'
If you really messed up, say 'Je suis vraiment désolé'. It adds a lot of sincerity.
The 'Pardon' Rule
If you step on someone's foot, say 'Pardon' immediately. If they look like they are in pain, then follow up with 'Désolé'.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'désolé' (agreeing with the speaker).
(A woman speaking): Je suis _______ d'avoir oublié ton livre.
Since a woman is speaking, you must add an 'e' to 'désolé'.
Choose the best word for the situation.
You want to pass someone in the supermarket aisle. What do you say?
'Pardon' is used for physical space and minor interruptions. 'Désolé' implies you've already done something wrong.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Je ne peux pas venir à ta fête. B: Oh, je suis _______ pour toi.
In this context, B is expressing sympathy for A's situation.
Match the phrase to the level of formality.
1. Dsl 2. Je suis désolé 3. Je vous prie de bien vouloir m'excuser
'Dsl' is texting slang, 'Je suis désolé' is standard, and the third is highly formal.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Pardon vs. Désolé
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgaben(A woman speaking): Je suis _______ d'avoir oublié ton livre.
Since a woman is speaking, you must add an 'e' to 'désolé'.
You want to pass someone in the supermarket aisle. What do you say?
'Pardon' is used for physical space and minor interruptions. 'Désolé' implies you've already done something wrong.
A: Je ne peux pas venir à ta fête. B: Oh, je suis _______ pour toi.
In this context, B is expressing sympathy for A's situation.
1. Dsl 2. Je suis désolé 3. Je vous prie de bien vouloir m'excuser
'Dsl' is texting slang, 'Je suis désolé' is standard, and the third is highly formal.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, use 'Pardon ?' or 'Comment ?'. 'Désolé' would sound like you are apologizing for being deaf!
It's an adjective, so it's both! 'Désolé' (m) and 'Désolée' (f).
Use 'Je suis vraiment désolé' or 'Je suis tellement désolé'.
Yes, it's very common. For more formality, use 'Je vous présente mes excuses'.
The most common abbreviation is 'dsl'.
It's not 'better', just more intense and formal. Use it for serious regrets.
In casual speech, you can just say 'Désolé !'. In writing or formal speech, keep 'Je suis'.
It's better to say 'Désolé pour cela' or 'Désolé de cela', but 'Désolé pour ça' is common in casual speech.
Say 'Nous sommes désolés'.
Some people use 'désolé·e' or choose the form they feel most comfortable with. In speech, there is no difference.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Je regrette
similarI regret
Navré
specialized formDeeply sorry
Pardon
similarPardon / Sorry
Mes excuses
formalMy apologies
C'est ma faute
builds onIt's my fault
