Meaning
Used to apologize or get someone's attention.
Cultural Background
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.
Meaning
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'.
Test Yourself
You bump into an elderly lady at the museum. What do you say?
Oh, ________! Das war keine Absicht.
'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 ________.
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.
'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.
When asking a stranger for information, 'Verzeihung' is the most polite way to start.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOh, ________! Das war keine Absicht.
'Verzeihung' is the only appropriate apology here. 'Tschüss' is goodbye, 'Guten Appetit' is enjoy your meal, and 'Prost' is cheers.
Ich bitte Sie um ________.
The phrase 'um Verzeihung bitten' is a fixed expression in formal German.
1. Verzeihung! 2. Sorry! 3. Es tut mir leid.
'Verzeihung' is formal, 'Sorry' is informal/youthful, and 'Es tut mir leid' is for deeper regret.
A: ________, fährt dieser Zug nach München? B: Ja, das ist der richtige Gleis.
When asking a stranger for information, 'Verzeihung' is the most polite way to start.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, '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.
Related Phrases
Entschuldigung
synonymExcuse me / Sorry
Es tut mir leid
similarI am sorry
Pardon
synonymPardon
Verzeihen Sie
builds onForgive me (formal)
