A1 Expression 격식체

Verzeihung!

Excuse me! Pardon!

Used to apologize or get someone's attention.

🌍

문화적 배경

In Germany, making eye contact while saying 'Verzeihung' is seen as a sign of sincerity and confidence. Avoiding eye contact might make the apology seem dismissive. Austrians often prefer 'Pardon' or 'Küss die Hand, Verzeihung' in very traditional settings, reflecting a slightly more 'Imperial' style of politeness. Swiss German speakers might use 'Exgüsi' (from French 'Excusez-moi'), but 'Verzeihung' remains the standard for formal High German communication. In German corporate culture, 'Verzeihung' is used to acknowledge a mistake without sounding overly submissive. It shows you are professional and aware of your actions.

🎯

The Intonation Trick

If you use a rising intonation ('Verzeihung?'), it means 'I didn't hear you'. If you use a falling intonation ('Verzeihung!'), it's an apology.

⚠️

Capitalization Matters

Always capitalize 'Verzeihung' in writing. If you write it with a small 'v', it's grammatically incorrect because it's a noun.

Used to apologize or get someone's attention.

🎯

The Intonation Trick

If you use a rising intonation ('Verzeihung?'), it means 'I didn't hear you'. If you use a falling intonation ('Verzeihung!'), it's an apology.

⚠️

Capitalization Matters

Always capitalize 'Verzeihung' in writing. If you write it with a small 'v', it's grammatically incorrect because it's a noun.

💬

The 'Sie' Connection

Verzeihung is almost always paired with the formal 'Sie'. If you are on 'Du' terms with someone, you'll likely use 'Sorry' or 'Entschuldigung'.

셀프 테스트

You bump into an elderly lady at the museum. What do you say?

Oh, ________! Das war keine Absicht.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Verzeihung

'Verzeihung' is the only appropriate apology here. 'Tschüss' is goodbye, 'Guten Appetit' is enjoy your meal, and 'Prost' is cheers.

Complete the formal request for forgiveness.

Ich bitte Sie um ________.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Verzeihung

The phrase 'um Verzeihung bitten' is a fixed expression in formal German.

Match the phrase to the correct register.

1. Verzeihung! 2. Sorry! 3. Es tut mir leid.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 1-Formal, 2-Informal, 3-Emotional

'Verzeihung' is formal, 'Sorry' is informal/youthful, and 'Es tut mir leid' is for deeper regret.

Complete the dialogue at the train station.

A: ________, fährt dieser Zug nach München? B: Ja, das ist der richtige Gleis.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Verzeihung

When asking a stranger for information, 'Verzeihung' is the most polite way to start.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
You bump into an elderly lady at the museum. What do you say? Choose A1

Oh, ________! Das war keine Absicht.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Verzeihung

'Verzeihung' is the only appropriate apology here. 'Tschüss' is goodbye, 'Guten Appetit' is enjoy your meal, and 'Prost' is cheers.

Complete the formal request for forgiveness. Fill Blank B1

Ich bitte Sie um ________.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Verzeihung

The phrase 'um Verzeihung bitten' is a fixed expression in formal German.

Match the phrase to the correct register. situation_matching A2

1. Verzeihung! 2. Sorry! 3. Es tut mir leid.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 1-Formal, 2-Informal, 3-Emotional

'Verzeihung' is formal, 'Sorry' is informal/youthful, and 'Es tut mir leid' is for deeper regret.

Complete the dialogue at the train station. dialogue_completion A1

A: ________, fährt dieser Zug nach München? B: Ja, das ist der richtige Gleis.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Verzeihung

When asking a stranger for information, 'Verzeihung' is the most polite way to start.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

5 질문

Yes, 'Verzeihung' is slightly more elegant and formal. 'Entschuldigung' is the everyday standard.

You can, but it might sound a bit stiff or even funny/ironic. Stick to 'Sorry' or 'Entschuldigung' with friends.

The most common response is 'Kein Problem' (No problem) or 'Schon gut' (It's fine). In formal settings, you can say 'Bitte sehr' or 'Nichts zu danken'.

No. Unlike the Japanese 'Sumimasen', 'Verzeihung' is strictly for apologies or getting attention.

Yes, it is standard in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, though regional alternatives like 'Pardon' or 'Exgüsi' exist.

관련 표현

🔄

Entschuldigung

synonym

Excuse me / Sorry

🔗

Es tut mir leid

similar

I am sorry

🔄

Pardon

synonym

Pardon

🔗

Verzeihen Sie

builds on

Forgive me (formal)

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