Meaning
Expressing strong regret or sympathy for a situation.
Cultural Background
Germans value directness. If you say this, they expect you to mean it. Austrians might use 'Es tut mir leid' slightly more often in polite, everyday interactions. Swiss German speakers might use 'Es tuet mer leid' in their dialect. In a German office, using this phrase shows you are taking responsibility, which is highly valued.
Add 'sehr'
Adding 'sehr' makes the apology sound more sincere.
Don't over-apologize
Germans value confidence; don't use this for every minor thing.
Meaning
Expressing strong regret or sympathy for a situation.
Add 'sehr'
Adding 'sehr' makes the apology sound more sincere.
Don't over-apologize
Germans value confidence; don't use this for every minor thing.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Das tut mir sehr ____.
The fixed expression is 'leid tun'.
Which is the most appropriate response to a friend who lost their job?
Which sentence shows empathy?
This phrase is the standard way to express sympathy for bad news.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich habe dein Buch verloren.' B: '____.'
You are apologizing for a mistake.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesDas tut mir sehr ____.
The fixed expression is 'leid tun'.
Which sentence shows empathy?
This phrase is the standard way to express sympathy for bad news.
A: 'Ich habe dein Buch verloren.' B: '____.'
You are apologizing for a mistake.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, if you made a mistake. It shows accountability.
It is neutral. It works in almost all situations.
Related Phrases
Es tut mir leid
synonymI am sorry
Entschuldigung
contrastExcuse me
Verzeihung
similarForgiveness
Ich bitte um Entschuldigung
specialized formI ask for forgiveness
