Meaning
A common, informal way to apologize.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty). If you say 'Tut mir leid,' you should mean it. Empty apologies can be seen as superficial. In Austria, you might hear 'Pardon' (borrowed from French) in very posh circles, but 'Tut mir leid' remains the standard. Swiss Germans often use 'Exgüsi' (from French 'excusez') for small things, but 'Es tuet mer leid' (Swiss dialect) for deeper regret. In a German office, an apology is often expected to be followed by a 'Wiedergutmachung' (making it right).
The 'Das' Trick
If you don't know what to say when someone shares bad news, just say 'Das tut mir leid.' It works for everything from a broken toe to a lost wallet.
Dative Danger
Never say 'Ich bin leid.' It's a classic 'Gringo' mistake in German. Stick to 'Es tut mir leid.'
Meaning
A common, informal way to apologize.
The 'Das' Trick
If you don't know what to say when someone shares bad news, just say 'Das tut mir leid.' It works for everything from a broken toe to a lost wallet.
Dative Danger
Never say 'Ich bin leid.' It's a classic 'Gringo' mistake in German. Stick to 'Es tut mir leid.'
Eye Contact
When saying 'Tut mir leid' for a serious mistake, make eye contact. It shows you are sincere.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct dative pronoun.
Ich habe dein {das|n} Handy kaputt gemacht. Es tut ___ leid!
The verb 'leidtun' always requires the dative pronoun 'mir' for 'me'.
Which phrase is most appropriate for the situation?
You want to ask a stranger for the time.
Use 'Entschuldigung' to get attention. 'Tut mir leid' is only for apologies or sympathy.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mein {der|m} Hund ist gestern gestorben. B: Oh nein, ___.
'Das tut mir leid' is the standard way to express sympathy for bad news.
Choose the most formal way to apologize for a late report.
___, dass der {der|m} Bericht erst heute kommt.
While 'Ich bedauere' is very formal, 'Es tut mir sehr leid' is the most natural high-level apology in a professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tut mir leid vs Entschuldigung
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe dein {das|n} Handy kaputt gemacht. Es tut ___ leid!
The verb 'leidtun' always requires the dative pronoun 'mir' for 'me'.
You want to ask a stranger for the time.
Use 'Entschuldigung' to get attention. 'Tut mir leid' is only for apologies or sympathy.
A: Mein {der|m} Hund ist gestern gestorben. B: Oh nein, ___.
'Das tut mir leid' is the standard way to express sympathy for bad news.
___, dass der {der|m} Bericht erst heute kommt.
While 'Ich bedauere' is very formal, 'Es tut mir sehr leid' is the most natural high-level apology in a professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'Leid' alone is a noun meaning suffering. You must include the verb 'tut'.
'Entschuldigung' is 'Excuse me' (pre-emptive or minor), 'Tut mir leid' is 'I'm sorry' (regret/sympathy).
Yes, but add 'Es' and 'sehr' to make it 'Es tut mir sehr leid.'
Use 'Es tut mir so leid' or 'Es tut mir schrecklich leid'.
Because the sorrow is being 'done' TO you (indirect object), which requires the dative case.
Yes, to show sympathy (e.g., 'Das tut mir leid für dich').
Yes, people often write 'Tut mir leid' or just 'Sry'.
No, the 'mir' stays 'mir' because YOU are the one feeling sorry. If WE are sorry, it becomes 'Es tut UNS leid'.
Yes, if you made a mess or are declining an offer.
The past tense is 'Es tat mir leid'.
Related Phrases
Entschuldigung
similarExcuse me / Apology
Verzeihung
synonymForgiveness / Pardon
Mein Beileid
specialized formMy condolences
Schade
similarThat's a pity
Es reut mich
contrastI repent/regret
