Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen dass die
We regret to inform you that the
Littéralement: We regret to-you to-share to must that the
Use this phrase only in formal writing to politely deliver disappointing news to a customer or applicant.
En 15 secondes
- Formal way to deliver bad news in writing.
- Triggers a 'dass' clause with the verb at the end.
- Used by companies, authorities, and professional services.
Signification
This is a very formal way to deliver bad news. It is the German equivalent of 'We regret to inform you that the...'
Exemples clés
3 sur 7A job rejection letter
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Stelle bereits besetzt ist.
We regret to inform you that the position has already been filled.
A flight cancellation notice
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Maschine heute nicht abhebt.
We regret to inform you that the plane will not take off today.
A restaurant canceling a booking
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Reservierung storniert wurde.
We regret to inform you that the reservation has been canceled.
Contexte culturel
This phrase is a staple of 'Beamtendeutsch' (Bureaucratic German). It allows institutions to deliver negative news while maintaining a mask of professional empathy. It has been the standard opening for rejection letters for decades.
The Comma Rule
Always place a comma before dass. It is a grammatical law in German that separates the main clause from the subordinate clause.
The Verb Trap
Since this phrase ends in dass, the verb of your bad news must go to the very end of the sentence. Don't forget it!
En 15 secondes
- Formal way to deliver bad news in writing.
- Triggers a 'dass' clause with the verb at the end.
- Used by companies, authorities, and professional services.
What It Means
This phrase is the ultimate 'bad news' starter in German. It sounds very official, polite, and slightly distant. You will see it in letters or emails from companies. It acts as a linguistic cushion for the reader. It signals immediately that the news following will be disappointing. Think of it as a professional warning sign. It says: 'Prepare yourself, something didn't work out.'
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. Because it ends with dass, it triggers a subordinate clause. This means the main verb moves to the very end. For example, if the train is late, the verb verspätet goes last. It is a bit like a puzzle. You set the stage with regret, then drop the news. Always remember to use the dative Ihnen for 'you'. It shows respect to the recipient.
When To Use It
Use this in professional emails or formal letters. It is perfect for job rejections or service cancellations. Use it when a flight is delayed or a room is booked. It works well when you represent a company or group. It helps you stay professional while delivering a blow. It is common in 'Beamtendeutsch' or bureaucratic German. You will hear it over loudspeakers at train stations too. It is the gold standard for corporate apologies.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your partner or close friends. It will make you sound like a cold robot. Imagine telling your friend you forgot their birthday this way. They would think you are joking or being mean. Avoid it for small, personal inconveniences. Do not use it if the news is actually good. That would be very confusing for a German speaker! It is too heavy for casual, everyday conversations.
Cultural Background
Germans value directness, but officialdom loves a polite buffer. This phrase comes from a long tradition of formal correspondence. It reflects the German desire for 'Höflichkeit' or politeness in public life. It allows the sender to remain objective. It shifts the focus from 'I am sorry' to 'The situation is regrettable.' It is a classic example of German administrative style. It shows that the rules were followed, even if the result is bad.
Common Variations
You might see Ich bedauere if it is just one person. A shorter version is Leider müssen wir Ihnen mitteilen. If you want to be even more formal, try Zu unserem Bedauern. Sometimes people just start with Leider... to be quicker. However, the full phrase is the most traditional way. It remains the standard for official rejections in Germany.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-level B2 phrase. It requires mastery of the dative case (Ihnen) and subordinate clause word order. It is strictly for formal contexts.
The Comma Rule
Always place a comma before dass. It is a grammatical law in German that separates the main clause from the subordinate clause.
The Verb Trap
Since this phrase ends in dass, the verb of your bad news must go to the very end of the sentence. Don't forget it!
The 'Beamtendeutsch' Secret
Using this phrase makes you sound like a German official. If you use it ironically with friends, it's a great way to show off your high-level vocabulary.
Exemples
7Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Stelle bereits besetzt ist.
We regret to inform you that the position has already been filled.
Standard HR language for turning down an applicant.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Maschine heute nicht abhebt.
We regret to inform you that the plane will not take off today.
Commonly heard at airports during delays or cancellations.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Reservierung storniert wurde.
We regret to inform you that the reservation has been canceled.
Used when a business cannot fulfill a prior agreement.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Pizza leider schon alle ist.
We regret to inform you that the pizza is unfortunately all gone.
Using such formal language for pizza is clearly a joke.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Leihfrist abgelaufen ist.
We regret to inform you that the loan period has expired.
Typical automated message from a public institution.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Veranstaltung ausfällt.
We regret to inform you that the event is cancelled.
A neutral but very formal way to announce a change in plans.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Spielzeugabteilung schließt.
We regret to inform you that the toy department is closing.
A parent acting like a serious official to tease their child.
Teste-toi
Complete the formal rejection sentence.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, ___ die Reise abgesagt wurde.
The phrase always uses 'dass' to introduce the specific news being shared.
Choose the correct pronoun for formal address.
Wir bedauern ___ mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Lieferung später kommt.
In formal German correspondence, 'Ihnen' (the dative form of Sie) is mandatory.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Level of 'Bad News' Phrases
Used with friends for small mistakes.
Tut mir leid, aber...
Standard polite apology.
Es tut uns leid, dass...
Professional business tone.
Leider müssen wir sagen...
Bureaucratic and official standard.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen...
Where you will see this phrase
Job Application
Rejection email from HR
Public Transport
Train delay announcement
Banking
Loan denial letter
E-commerce
Out of stock notification
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but mostly in formal announcements. You will hear it at train stations or airports, like Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass der Zug Verspätung hat.
Technically yes, but it sounds very weird. The phrase is so formal that using dir (informal you) creates a linguistic clash.
It means 'to regret' or 'to be sorry about'. It is much more formal than the simple leidtun.
This is an infinitive construction. It translates to 'to have to', implying the speaker is forced by circumstances to give the bad news.
Yes, you can just say Leider müssen wir Ihnen mitteilen, dass.... It is still formal but slightly less 'heavy'.
If you are writing as an individual, use Ich bedauere Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen. Companies always use Wir.
No, bedauern specifically implies regret. For good news, use Wir freuen uns, Ihnen mitteilen zu können.
Yes, the conjugated verb moves to the end. For example: ...dass die Party ausfällt (that the party is cancelled).
It is extremely common in formal business emails. It is the standard way to start a rejection or a notification of a problem.
If you want to be warmer, use Es tut uns sehr leid, dass.... It feels more personal and less like a government form.
Expressions liées
Leider müssen wir Ihnen mitteilen
Es tut uns leid, dass
Zu unserem Bedauern
Wir müssen Sie informieren, dass
Wir freuen uns, Ihnen mitzuteilen
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