Signification
Apologize for being late.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is considered a 'Sekundärtugend' (secondary virtue). Being late is often seen as a sign of unreliability. Swiss punctuality is even more legendary than German. A delay of 2 minutes is often acknowledged with an apology. While still valuing punctuality, Austrians might be slightly more relaxed in social settings, but formal rules still apply in business. The 'Akademisches Viertel' allows students to arrive 15 minutes late to lectures unless 's.t.' is specified.
The 'Bitte' Boost
Always add 'bitte' (Entschuldigen Sie **bitte** die Verspätung) to sound extra polite and sincere.
Don't Over-Explain
In German culture, a short, honest reason is better than a long, dramatic story. 'Der Bus war spät' is enough.
Signification
Apologize for being late.
The 'Bitte' Boost
Always add 'bitte' (Entschuldigen Sie **bitte** die Verspätung) to sound extra polite and sincere.
Don't Over-Explain
In German culture, a short, honest reason is better than a long, dramatic story. 'Der Bus war spät' is enough.
Eye Contact
When saying this phrase, make brief eye contact. It shows you are taking responsibility.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the formal apology.
Entschuldigen Sie bitte die ________!
The noun '{die|f} Verspätung' is the correct object for the verb 'entschuldigen'.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a job interview?
You arrive 5 minutes late for an interview. What do you say?
This is the standard formal apology required in professional German culture.
Complete the dialogue between a doctor and a patient.
Patient: Guten Tag. ________ Sie die Verspätung, der Bus war weg. Arzt: Guten Tag. Kein Problem, kommen Sie bitte rein.
The verb 'Entschuldigen' is needed to form the imperative with 'Sie'.
Match the phrase to the correct register.
1. Entschuldigen Sie die Verspätung. 2. Sorry für die Verspätung. 3. Ich bitte um Entschuldigung für die Verspätung.
The use of 'Sie' is formal, 'Sorry' is informal, and 'Ich bitte um...' is highly formal/official.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEntschuldigen Sie bitte die ________!
The noun '{die|f} Verspätung' is the correct object for the verb 'entschuldigen'.
You arrive 5 minutes late for an interview. What do you say?
This is the standard formal apology required in professional German culture.
Patient: Guten Tag. ________ Sie die Verspätung, der Bus war weg. Arzt: Guten Tag. Kein Problem, kommen Sie bitte rein.
The verb 'Entschuldigen' is needed to form the imperative with 'Sie'.
1. Entschuldigen Sie die Verspätung. 2. Sorry für die Verspätung. 3. Ich bitte um Entschuldigung für die Verspätung.
The use of 'Sie' is formal, 'Sorry' is informal, and 'Ich bitte um...' is highly formal/official.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, but it's less formal. In a professional setting, the full phrase 'Entschuldigen Sie die Verspätung' is much better.
'Verspätung' is the noun (the delay), while 'zu spät' is an adverbial phrase (too late). You say 'Ich habe Verspätung' or 'Ich bin zu spät'.
It is always 'Entschuldigen Sie' (verb) or just 'Entschuldigung' (noun). Never combine the noun with 'Sie'.
Use 'Entschuldige die Verspätung' or simply 'Sorry für die Verspätung'.
It's seen as a matter of reliability and respect for the social contract. Time is viewed as a limited resource.
Expressions liées
Es tut mir leid
similarI am sorry
Verzeihen Sie
synonymForgive me
Pünktlichkeit ist die Höflichkeit der Könige
specialized formPunctuality is the politeness of kings
Ich habe mich verspätet
builds onI was delayed / I am late
