A1 interjection Neutre 3 min de lecture

sorry

/ˈsɔri/
Practice it

Overview

The word 'sorry' in Dutch functions very similarly to its English counterpart, acting primarily as an interjection to express an apology or regret. It is one of the most common and versatile ways to apologize in the Netherlands and Flanders. While 'sorry' is a direct borrowing from English, it has been fully integrated into the Dutch language and is widely understood and used by people of all ages and social backgrounds.

**Usage as an Interjection:**

When used as an interjection, 'sorry' directly translates to 'I'm sorry' or 'Excuse me.' It can be employed in a variety of situations, ranging from minor inconveniences to more serious transgressions.

  • Minor Incidents: If you accidentally bump into someone, spill a drink, or interrupt a conversation, a simple 'Sorry!' is perfectly appropriate and polite.
  • Example: 'Sorry, ik zag je niet!' (Sorry, I didn't see you!)
  • Example: 'Oeps, sorry!' (Oops, sorry!)
  • Expressing Sympathy/Empathy: 'Sorry' can also be used to express sympathy or regret for someone else's misfortune, similar to 'I'm sorry to hear that.'
  • Example: 'Sorry dat je je niet lekker voelt.' (Sorry that you're not feeling well.)
  • Example: 'Oh, sorry voor het verlies.' (Oh, sorry for your loss.)
  • Interrupting/Getting Attention: When you need to get someone's attention or interrupt politely, 'Sorry' can be used like 'Excuse me.'
  • Example: 'Sorry, mag ik er even langs?' (Excuse me, may I get past?)
  • Example: 'Sorry, heb je even tijd?' (Excuse me, do you have a moment?)
  • Requesting Clarification/Repetition: If you didn't understand something or need someone to repeat themselves, 'Sorry?' with an upward intonation can be used, similar to 'Pardon?' or 'I beg your pardon?'
  • Example: 'Sorry? Wat zei je?' (Sorry? What did you say?)

**Nuances and Alternatives:**

While 'sorry' is widely accepted, Dutch also offers more formal or specific ways to apologize, depending on the context and the severity of the situation.

  • 'Het spijt me': This is a more formal and often deeper expression of regret, literally meaning 'It pains me' or 'I regret it.' It is used for more significant apologies.
  • Example: 'Het spijt me dat ik zo laat ben.' (I'm sorry that I am so late.)
  • Example: 'Het spijt me voor het ongemak.' (I am sorry for the inconvenience.)
  • 'Mijn excuses': This is another formal way to apologize, meaning 'My apologies.' It's often used in written communication or in more professional settings.
  • Example: 'Mijn excuses voor de vertraging.' (My apologies for the delay.)
  • 'Neem me niet kwalijk': This phrase means 'Don't take it amiss' or 'Excuse me,' and is often used for minor inconveniences or when asking someone to move.
  • Example: 'Neem me niet kwalijk, is dit uw tas?' (Excuse me, is this your bag?)

**Cultural Context:**

Dutch culture generally values directness, but politeness is also important. While a simple 'sorry' is common, acknowledging the impact of your actions and, if necessary, offering a solution or explanation can strengthen your apology. Unlike some cultures where effusive apologies are common, Dutch apologies tend to be more concise and to the point.

In summary, 'sorry' is an indispensable word in the Dutch vocabulary for expressing apologies and regret, seamlessly integrated despite its foreign origin. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide array of social interactions, from casual bumps to expressing sympathy, making it a cornerstone of polite communication in the Netherlands.

Exemples

1

Het spijt me echt dat ik te laat ben.

Apologizing for being late.

I'm really sorry I'm late.

2

Mijn excuses voor het ongemak.

Formal apology, often used in professional settings.

My apologies for the inconvenience.

3

Pardon, mag ik er even langs?

Used to politely get someone's attention or ask them to move.

Excuse me, may I pass?

4

Sorry, ik heb je niet goed verstaan.

Apologizing for misunderstanding or asking for repetition.

Sorry, I didn't understand you correctly.

5

Neem me niet kwalijk, dat was niet de bedoeling.

Apologizing for an accidental mistake or offense.

Forgive me, that wasn't my intention.

Collocations courantes

sorry zeggen
diepe sorry
oprecht sorry
duizendmaal sorry

Souvent confondu avec

sorry vs spijtig

Regretful, but not directly an apology. 'Sorry' expresses direct apology, while 'spijtig' expresses regret or pity for a situation.

sorry vs excuses

Formal plural noun for apology. While related, 'sorry' is a more common, singular, and often more informal expression of apology.

Modèles grammaticaux

Het spijt me (dat)... (I'm sorry (that)...) Sorry voor... (Sorry for...) Mijn excuses. (My apologies.)

How to Use It

Notes d'usage

The word 'sorry' can be used in a wide range of situations, from casual to more formal. It can be used when you've made a small mistake (e.g., 'Sorry, ik heb de verkeerde afslag genomen.' - Sorry, I took the wrong turn.), to express regret for an inconvenience (e.g., 'Sorry dat ik je stoor.' - Sorry to bother you.), or even as a polite way to get someone's attention (e.g., 'Sorry, mag ik u iets vragen?' - Excuse me, may I ask you something?). When combined with 'echt' (really), as in 'echt sorry', it intensifies the apology. For more serious apologies, 'het spijt me' is often preferred, sometimes with an added 'heel erg' (very much) for emphasis (e.g., 'Het spijt me heel erg.' - I'm very sorry.). It's also common to hear 'pardon' for an 'excuse me' when passing through a crowd or asking for clarification, though 'sorry' can also be used in such contexts.

Erreurs courantes

One common mistake is to overuse 'sorry' in situations where a simple 'excuse me' or 'pardon' (in Dutch, 'pardon' or 'excuseer') would be more appropriate, such as when trying to get someone's attention or passing by. Another mistake is using it too casually for more serious apologies, where a more formal expression like 'het spijt me' (I am sorry) or 'mijn excuses' (my apologies) would be better. Also, be mindful of the nuance; 'sorry' can sometimes sound less sincere than 'het spijt me' in certain contexts.

Tips

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Informal Apologies

Use 'Sorry' (pronounced SOH-ree) in casual settings among friends, family, or close acquaintances. It's suitable for minor inconveniences like accidentally bumping into someone or interrupting a conversation. While versatile, for more serious situations or formal contexts, other phrases might be more appropriate. Think of it as the go-to for everyday small mishaps.

💡

Formal Apologies

For formal situations or when you need to express deeper regret, phrases like 'Het spijt me' (pronounced het SPEYT muh - I am sorry) or 'Mijn excuses' (pronounced myn ek-SKOO-zuhs - My apologies) are better choices. These are often used in business environments, official communications, or when apologizing for a significant mistake. The choice depends on the gravity of the situation and your relationship with the person.

💡

Contextual Nuances

The impact of 'sorry' in Dutch, like in many languages, can be amplified or softened by tone and accompanying actions. A sincere tone, eye contact, and a follow-up action (e.g., offering to help fix a mistake) can significantly enhance the apology. Conversely, a flippant 'sorry' can come across as insincere. Always consider the context, your relationship with the other person, and the severity of the offense when choosing how to apologize.

Contexte culturel

In Dutch culture, 'sorry' is a very common and versatile expression of apology, similar to its English counterpart. While Dutch people are generally direct, they also value politeness and respect. Using 'sorry' is expected in situations where one has inconvenienced someone, made a mistake, or caused any minor offense. It's often accompanied by a brief explanation or a promise to rectify the situation, especially in more formal contexts. However, for minor everyday occurrences like bumping into someone or interrupting, a simple 'sorry' suffices. There's also 'het spijt me' (I'm sorry), which carries a slightly deeper emotional weight and is used for more significant apologies or expressing regret.

Astuce mémo

Think of 'sorry' in English. The Dutch 'sorry' is pronounced very similarly, making it easy to remember. You can also associate it with 'sorrow,' as in feeling sorrowful for something.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions

The most common way to say 'sorry' in Dutch is simply 'sorry'. It's widely understood and used in various situations, from bumping into someone to expressing regret for a mistake. While it's a direct loanword from English, it has been fully integrated into the Dutch language and is used by people of all ages. You can use it in both formal and informal contexts without sounding out of place.

Yes, there are several other ways to express apology in Dutch, often conveying different nuances or levels of formality. For instance, 'het spijt me' directly translates to 'I'm sorry' or 'it pains me' and is a very common and heartfelt way to apologize. Another option is 'mijn excuses', which means 'my apologies' and is often used in slightly more formal situations or when you want to be a bit more explicit in your apology. The choice often depends on the specific situation and the relationship with the person you are apologizing to.

'Het spijt me' often carries a deeper sense of regret or empathy than a simple 'sorry'. You would typically use 'het spijt me' when you've made a more significant mistake, caused inconvenience, or want to express genuine remorse. For example, if you accidentally broke something valuable, or if you're offering condolences, 'het spijt me' would be more appropriate. It emphasizes the personal feeling of sorrow or regret associated with the situation, making it a more empathetic expression of apology.

'Mijn excuses' is a more formal way to apologize in Dutch, often used in professional settings, written communication, or when addressing someone you don't know very well. It's similar to saying 'my apologies' in English. For example, if you are late for an appointment, or if there has been a misunderstanding in an official context, 'mijn excuses' would be a fitting phrase. It conveys a polite and respectful acknowledgment of an error or inconvenience, without necessarily implying a deep emotional regret, but rather a formal admission of fault.

Teste-toi

fill blank

Ik ben te laat. ______!

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

Oeps, ik heb je kopje omgestoten. Het spijt me, ______.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

Ik kan vandaag niet komen. ______ daarvoor.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

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