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Tut mir leid

A1 interjection #1,000 most common 13 min read

Tut mir leid

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Tut mir leid in 30 Seconds

Explanation Tut mir leid in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Tut mir leid' is taught as a fixed, unchangeable chunk of language. Learners are encouraged to memorize it as a single unit that means 'I am sorry.' At this stage, you don't need to worry about the fact that 'tut' is a verb or 'mir' is a dative pronoun. You simply use it whenever you make a small mistake, like being late for class or not understanding what someone said. It is one of the most important 'survival' phrases in German. You will often hear it in the classroom when a student hasn't done their homework or doesn't know the answer to a question. The focus is on correct pronunciation and using it in the right context. You should also learn that 'Es' can be placed at the beginning ('Es tut mir leid'), but in spoken German, it is very often omitted. This makes the phrase easier to say quickly. At A1, you might also learn 'Das tut mir leid' as a way to react to someone else's bad news, such as 'Ich bin krank' (I am sick). It is a vital tool for basic social interaction and shows that you are trying to be polite and empathetic in your new language.

As you progress to A2, you begin to look under the hood of the phrase 'Tut mir leid.' You learn that 'mir' is a dative pronoun and that it can change depending on who is feeling sorry. For example, you learn to say 'Es tut uns leid' (We are sorry) or 'Es tut ihm leid' (He is sorry). This is a great way to practice your dative pronouns in a real-world context. You also start to use intensifiers like 'sehr' or 'wirklich' to vary the strength of your apology: 'Es tut mir sehr leid.' At this level, you might also start to connect the apology to a simple reason using the word 'aber' (but), such as 'Es tut mir leid, aber ich habe kein Geld.' You are moving beyond just memorizing the phrase and starting to integrate it into more complex, though still basic, sentences. You also learn the difference between 'Tut mir leid' and 'Entschuldigung' more clearly, using the latter for 'Excuse me' and the former for 'I'm sorry.' This distinction helps you navigate social situations with more confidence and less confusion.

At the B1 level, you master the use of 'Tut mir leid' in subordinate clauses, specifically with the conjunction 'dass' (that). This requires you to handle German's tricky 'verb-at-the-end' word order. For example: 'Es tut mir leid, dass ich gestern nicht zu deiner Party kommen konnte.' Being able to explain *why* you are sorry in a single, grammatically correct sentence is a hallmark of the B1 level. You also learn to use the phrase with infinitive constructions: 'Es tut mir leid, Sie so spät noch zu stören.' This level also introduces more nuanced situations, such as professional apologies in emails. You might learn to say 'Es tut mir leid, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen...' (I am sorry to have to inform you...). Your vocabulary for regret expands to include words like 'leider' (unfortunately), which often accompanies an apology. You are now able to handle more delicate social interactions, such as declining an invitation or admitting a mistake at work, using the phrase with the appropriate level of detail and grammatical precision.

By B2, you are expected to use 'Tut mir leid' with a high degree of fluency and to understand its nuances in more formal or abstract contexts. You might use it to express regret about larger social or political issues, or in complex professional negotiations. You also become more adept at using alternatives like 'bedauern' (to regret) or 'Verzeihung bitten' (to ask for forgiveness) to match the register of your conversation or writing. At this level, you understand the subtle difference between 'Es tut mir leid' and 'Ich entschuldige mich.' You know that technically, you cannot 'excuse yourself'; you can only ask others to excuse you. Therefore, 'Ich bitte um Entschuldigung' is seen as more correct in formal German than 'Ich entschuldige mich,' although the latter is common in speech. You can also use 'Tut mir leid' in hypothetical situations using the subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II): 'Es würde mir leid tun, wenn wir uns nicht mehr sehen würden' (I would be sorry if we didn't see each other anymore). Your apologies are now nuanced, context-aware, and grammatically sophisticated.

At the C1 level, you explore the stylistic and emotional depth of 'Tut mir leid.' You can use it in literary or highly formal contexts, and you understand its use in idiomatic expressions. You might analyze how the phrase is used in German literature to convey character depth or moral conflict. You are also aware of regional variations and how the intensity of an apology might be perceived differently in different parts of the German-speaking world. You can use the phrase to navigate very complex social situations, such as mediating a conflict or delivering very difficult news with extreme tact. You might use more sophisticated structures like 'Es ist mir aufrichtig leid' or 'Ich empfinde tiefes Bedauern.' At this level, your use of the phrase is not just about being polite; it's about using the full range of the German language to express precise emotional states and social positions. You also understand the historical development of the phrase and its relationship to the noun 'Leid' (suffering) in a deeper, more philosophical sense.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'Tut mir leid' and all its variations. You can use it with perfect timing and tone in any situation, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic or diplomatic setting. You might use it ironically, humorously, or with profound gravity, and you understand all the cultural baggage that comes with it. You can discuss the linguistics of the phrase, such as its impersonal structure and how that reflects German views on emotion and agency. You are also able to use very rare or archaic forms of expressing regret if the situation calls for it, and you can switch between different registers of apology seamlessly. For a C2 learner, 'Tut mir leid' is just one tool in a vast repertoire of expressions for regret, and you know exactly when to use it and when to choose something else to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. You are fully integrated into the German-speaking culture and use the phrase as naturally as a native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Tut mir leid in 30 Seconds

'Tut mir leid' is the standard German way to say 'I'm sorry' for mistakes or to express sympathy.
It literally means 'It does me sorrow' and requires the dative case (mir, dir, ihm, etc.).
In spoken German, the 'Es' at the beginning is often dropped, making it simply 'Tut mir leid.'
It is different from 'Entschuldigung,' which is more like 'Excuse me' for minor social interruptions.

The German phrase Tut mir leid is the quintessential expression of regret, empathy, and apology in the German language. While English speakers often use the word 'sorry' as a catch-all for everything from bumping into someone on the subway to expressing deep condolences for a loss, German distinguishes more clearly between seeking permission to pass and expressing genuine emotional regret. Literally translated, 'Tut mir leid' means 'It does me sorrow' or 'It causes me suffering.' This construction is fascinating because it uses the verb 'tun' (to do/make) and the noun 'Leid' (sorrow/harm), placing the speaker in a position where the external event is 'doing' something to their internal state. In everyday conversation, the 'Es' (it) at the beginning is frequently dropped, resulting in the punchy and immediate 'Tut mir leid.' This phrase is used when you have made a mistake, such as arriving late for a meeting, forgetting a friend's birthday, or accidentally stepping on someone's foot. However, its utility extends far beyond personal errors. It is also the standard way to express sympathy. If a friend tells you they lost their job or their cat is sick, saying 'Das tut mir leid' (That does me sorrow) is the most natural and appropriate response. It signals that you share in their negative emotion.

Literal Meaning: It does me sorrow / It causes me pain.
Functional Use: Apologizing for mistakes or expressing sympathy for someone else's misfortune.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich dich so lange habe warten lassen.

Oh, du hast deinen Schlüssel verloren? Das tut mir leid!

Understanding the weight of this phrase is crucial for social integration in German-speaking countries. Germans tend to be direct, and an apology is seen as a sincere acknowledgment of a breach in social expectations. When you say 'Tut mir leid,' you are not just performing a linguistic ritual; you are acknowledging a specific harm or inconvenience caused. It is often accompanied by an explanation or a promise to rectify the situation. In formal contexts, you might expand it to 'Es tut mir außerordentlich leid' (I am extraordinarily sorry) to add gravity. Conversely, in very casual settings among friends, a quick 'Tut mir leid, echt jetzt' (Sorry, really) suffices. It is also important to note that the phrase changes based on who is feeling the regret. If you are speaking on behalf of a group, you would say 'Es tut uns leid' (It does us sorrow). If you are asking if someone else is sorry, you would ask 'Tut es dir leid?' (Does it do you sorrow?). This flexibility makes it a powerful tool in the German learner's arsenal, allowing for a wide range of emotional expression across various social strata.

Es tut uns leid, aber der Flug wurde annulliert.

Social Context: In Germany, over-apologizing for minor things can sometimes be seen as insincere, so use it when there is actual regret to convey.

Es tut mir leid, ich habe die falsche Nummer gewählt.

Es tut mir furchtbar leid, dass ich Ihr Auto beschädigt habe.

Mastering the syntax of Tut mir leid requires understanding its components: the subject 'Es' (often omitted), the verb 'tun' (conjugated to 'tut'), the dative pronoun 'mir' (to me), and the adjective/noun 'leid'. Because 'leid' in this context is part of a verbal expression, it is usually written in lowercase in modern German, though you may occasionally see it capitalized in older texts. The most basic form is 'Es tut mir leid.' However, the real power of the phrase comes when you connect it to the reason for your apology using a 'dass' (that) clause. For example, 'Es tut mir leid, dass ich dein Buch vergessen habe.' Notice that in the 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb moves to the very end of the sentence. This is a classic German subordinate clause structure. If you want to apologize for a specific thing without a full clause, you can use the preposition 'wegen' (because of) followed by the genitive or dative case: 'Es tut mir leid wegen der Verspätung' (I am sorry about the delay). Another common way to use it is with an infinitive construction: 'Es tut mir leid, dich zu stören' (I am sorry to disturb you).

Basic Structure: (Es) + tut + [Dative Pronoun] + leid.
Dative Pronouns: mir (me), dir (you - informal), ihm (him), ihr (her), uns (us), euch (you all), ihnen (them), Ihnen (you - formal).

Es tut mir leid, dich unterbrochen zu haben.

Es tut ihr leid, dass sie nicht kommen kann.

You can also intensify the apology by adding adverbs like 'sehr' (very), 'wirklich' (really), 'furchtbar' (terribly), or 'aufrichtig' (sincerely). For instance, 'Es tut mir furchtbar leid' conveys a much deeper level of regret than a simple 'Tut mir leid.' When responding to someone's bad news, the structure often changes to 'Das tut mir leid' (That makes me sorry), where 'Das' refers to the situation they just described. This is a crucial distinction: 'Es tut mir leid' is an apology for your own actions, while 'Das tut mir leid' is an expression of sympathy for their situation. In terms of word order, 'leid' always stays at the end of the main clause. If you are asking a question, the verb 'tut' moves to the first position: 'Tut es dir leid?' (Are you sorry?). If you are using a modal verb, 'tun' and 'leid' move to the end in their infinitive forms: 'Es muss mir nicht leid tun' (I don't have to be sorry). This versatility allows the phrase to be integrated into complex thoughts and emotions, making it one of the most essential structures to learn for achieving fluency.

Es tut mir wirklich leid, aber ich habe keine Zeit.

Intensifiers: sehr, wirklich, furchtbar, schrecklich, unendlich, aufrichtig.

Tut es euch leid, was ihr getan habt?

Das tut mir leid für dich.

In the real world of German-speaking countries, Tut mir leid is ubiquitous, echoing through train stations, offices, cafes, and homes. One of the most common places you will hear it is in public transport announcements. If a train is delayed or a bus is cancelled, the automated voice will inevitably say, 'Es tut uns leid für die Verspätung' (We are sorry for the delay). In the service industry, waitstaff use it if a dish is unavailable: 'Es tut mir leid, der Fisch ist heute leider aus' (I'm sorry, the fish is unfortunately sold out today). It is also the standard phrase for minor social frictions. If you bump into someone on a crowded street in Berlin or Munich, a quick, muttered 'Tut mir leid' is the polite way to acknowledge the contact. In professional settings, it is used to decline requests or invitations politely: 'Es tut mir leid, aber ich kann an dem Meeting nicht teilnehmen' (I'm sorry, but I cannot participate in the meeting). Beyond these functional uses, it plays a deep role in emotional support. When someone shares bad news, 'Das tut mir leid' is the immediate, empathetic response. It is heard at funerals, in hospitals, and during difficult personal conversations. It is also a staple of German media; characters in TV dramas and movies use it to express everything from mild regret to soul-crushing remorse. Interestingly, you will also hear it in situations where an English speaker might say 'I'm afraid...' as in 'I'm afraid I can't help you'—'Es tut mir leid, ich kann Ihnen nicht helfen.' This demonstrates how the phrase covers both emotional regret and polite refusal.

Public Announcements: Used by Deutsche Bahn or airlines to apologize for delays or cancellations.
Customer Service: Used when a product is unavailable or a service cannot be provided.

Sehr geehrte Fahrgäste, es tut uns leid, dieser Zug hat 20 Minuten Verspätung.

Es tut mir leid, wir haben keinen Tisch mehr frei.

In the digital age, you'll see it in emails and text messages, often abbreviated in very informal chats as 'tml' (though this is less common than English abbreviations). In formal correspondence, it is usually written out in full: 'Es tut mir sehr leid, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen...' (I am very sorry to have to inform you...). The phrase is so deeply embedded in the culture that children are taught to say it as soon as they are old enough to understand social interactions. It's not just a word; it's a social lubricant that helps maintain the 'Ordnung' (order) and 'Höflichkeit' (politeness) that are so valued in German society. Whether you are in a high-stakes business negotiation or just buying a pretzel at a bakery, knowing when and how to say 'Tut mir leid' will make your interactions smoother and more authentic.

Es tut mir leid, ich habe Ihre E-Mail erst jetzt gesehen.

Social Media & Texting: Used in WhatsApp or SMS to apologize for late replies or missed calls.

Tut mir echt leid, dass ich gestern nicht angerufen habe.

Es tut mir leid, aber ich muss unseren Termin verschieben.

For English speakers learning German, Tut mir leid is a minefield of potential grammatical errors. The most frequent mistake is using the accusative 'mich' instead of the dative 'mir'. Because English uses 'me' for both, learners often default to 'Tut mich leid,' which sounds jarringly incorrect to a native ear. Remember: the sorrow is being 'done' *to* you (dative), not *acting upon* you (accusative). Another common error is using 'bin' (am) instead of 'tut' (does). English speakers want to say 'Ich bin leid' or 'Ich bin sorry,' but in German, you are not the state of being sorry; the situation is doing the sorrow to you. A third mistake involves the word 'leid' itself. Learners often confuse it with 'leise' (quiet) or 'leer' (empty) because of the similar starting sounds. Furthermore, the capitalization of 'leid' can be tricky. In the phrase 'Es tut mir leid,' it is treated as an adjective and thus lowercase. However, the noun 'das Leid' (the suffering) is always capitalized. If you write 'Es tut mir Leid' with a capital L, it is technically an older spelling that was common before the 1996 spelling reform, and while some people still use it, lowercase is the modern standard.

Mistake: 'Tut mich leid': Incorrect case. Always use dative: 'mir', 'dir', 'ihm', etc.
Mistake: 'Ich bin leid': Incorrect verb. Use 'tun' (tut).

Falsch: Ich bin leid. Richtig: Es tut mir leid.

Falsch: Tut mich leid. Richtig: Tut mir leid.

Another nuance that learners miss is the difference between 'Tut mir leid' and 'Entschuldigung'. If you want to get past someone in a supermarket, saying 'Tut mir leid' is slightly odd; it's like you're apologizing for your very existence. 'Entschuldigung' (Excuse me) is much better. Conversely, if you break someone's vase, a mere 'Entschuldigung' might sound too flippant; 'Es tut mir so leid' shows the necessary depth of regret. Finally, watch out for the word order in subordinate clauses. Learners often say 'Es tut mir leid, dass ich bin zu spät,' but the correct form is 'Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät bin.' Keeping the verb at the end is a struggle for many, but it's essential for sounding natural. Avoiding these common pitfalls will not only make your German more accurate but also ensure that your apologies are received with the sincerity you intend.

Falsch: Es tut mir leid, dass ich habe dein Handy kaputt gemacht. Richtig: Es tut mir leid, dass ich dein Handy kaputt gemacht habe.

Word Order Error: In 'dass' clauses, the verb must go to the end. Don't let English word order pull the verb forward.

Es tut mir leid, ich habe mich im Tag geirrt.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich Sie stören muss.

While Tut mir leid is the most common way to express regret, German offers a rich palette of alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context. The most frequent alternative is 'Entschuldigung' (Excuse me/Apology). This is more versatile than 'Tut mir leid' because it can be used to get someone's attention, to apologize for a minor social slip, or as a noun ('Ich bitte um Entschuldigung' - I ask for an apology). For more formal situations, especially in writing, you might use 'Verzeihung' (Pardon/Forgiveness). It carries a slightly more old-fashioned, elegant weight. If you want to express deep sympathy, especially regarding a death, 'Mein Beileid' (My condolences) or 'Herzliches Beileid' (Sincere condolences) is the correct choice, as 'Tut mir leid' might feel too casual for such a grave occasion. In very formal or legal contexts, the verb 'bedauern' (to regret) is used: 'Wir bedauern diesen Vorfall sehr' (We regret this incident very much). This is common in corporate communications.

Entschuldigung: More for 'Excuse me' or minor mistakes. Less emotional than 'Tut mir leid'.
Verzeihung: A formal way to say 'Pardon me'. Very polite.

Verzeihung, darf ich hier mal kurz durch?

Ich bedauere es sehr, dass ich Ihnen nicht helfen kann.

Another interesting alternative is 'Schade' (Pity/Too bad). If a friend can't come to your party, you might say 'Das ist aber schade!' instead of 'Das tut mir leid.' 'Schade' focuses on the unfortunate nature of the event rather than your personal feeling of sorrow. For very serious apologies where you want to ask for forgiveness, you can use the phrase 'Ich bitte dich um Verzeihung' (I ask you for forgiveness). This is much stronger than 'Tut mir leid' and is used when a significant hurt has occurred. In slang or very informal youth language, you might hear 'Sorry' (borrowed from English), but even then, 'Tut mir leid' remains the standard for genuine interaction. Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your response to the situation, showing a high level of cultural and linguistic competence. For example, using 'Mein Beileid' at a funeral instead of 'Tut mir leid' shows that you understand the specific social rituals of Germany. Similarly, using 'Verzeihung' when accidentally bumping into an elderly person shows a respectful level of formality.

Oh, du kannst nicht kommen? Schade!

Bedauern: A formal verb meaning 'to regret'. Common in business letters.
Beileid: Specifically for expressing sympathy after a death.

Mein herzliches Beileid zu Ihrem Verlust.

Ich bitte Sie um Verzeihung für mein Verhalten.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Leid' is related to the English word 'loath' (disgusting/hateful), though the meanings have diverged significantly over centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tuːt miːɐ̯ laɪt/

US /tut miɹ laɪt/

The stress is on the word 'leid'.

Rhymes With

weit breit Zeit Bereit Kleid Neid Bescheid Eid

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'leid' like 'laid' (it should be 'light').
Making the 'u' in 'tut' too short.
Pronouncing 'mir' like 'my'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as a fixed phrase.

Writing 2/5

Requires correct spelling of 'leid' and 'tut', and knowledge of the dative 'mir'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but remembering to use 'mir' instead of 'mich' is key.

Listening 1/5

Very common and easy to hear in daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ich mir tun es

Learn Next

Entschuldigung leider schade wegen

Advanced

bedauern bereuen verzeihen Verzeihung

Grammar to Know

Dative Case for Personal Feelings

Es tut MIR leid. (Not mich)

Verb-End in Subordinate Clauses

Es tut mir leid, dass ich nicht KOMME.

Impersonal 'Es'

ES tut mir leid. (The 'it' is a dummy subject)

Infinitive with 'zu'

Es tut mir leid, dich zu STÖREN.

Preposition 'wegen' with Genitive/Dative

Es tut mir leid wegen DER Verspätung.

Examples by Level

Tut mir leid, ich verstehe das nicht.

I am sorry, I don't understand that.

The 'Es' is omitted here, which is common in speech.

Es tut mir leid, ich bin zu spät.

I am sorry, I am late.

Basic subject-verb-object structure.

Oh, tut mir leid!

Oh, I'm sorry!

A very common short apology.

Es tut mir leid, ich habe keinen Stift.

I am sorry, I don't have a pen.

Using 'haben' with an apology.

Das tut mir leid für dich.

I am sorry for you (about that).

'Das' refers to the situation.

Tut mir leid, wie heißt du?

Sorry, what is your name?

Using 'sorry' to admit forgetting something.

Es tut mir leid, das Brot ist alle.

I am sorry, the bread is all gone.

'Alle' is a common way to say 'finished' or 'empty'.

Tut mir leid, ich habe keine Zeit.

Sorry, I have no time.

A polite way to decline an invitation.

Es tut mir sehr leid, dass ich nicht kommen kann.

I am very sorry that I cannot come.

Introduction of the 'dass' clause.

Tut es dir leid, was du gesagt hast?

Are you sorry for what you said?

Question form with 'dir' (informal).

Es tut uns leid, wir haben heute geschlossen.

We are sorry, we are closed today.

Using 'uns' for a group apology.

Es tut mir wirklich leid wegen gestern.

I am really sorry about yesterday.

Using 'wegen' (because of) for a reason.

Tut mir leid, ich habe Ihre E-Mail nicht gelesen.

Sorry, I haven't read your email.

Formal 'Ihre' used in a professional context.

Es tut ihm leid, dass er den Termin vergessen hat.

He is sorry that he forgot the appointment.

Using 'ihm' (him) as the dative object.

Tut mir leid, ich kann dir nicht helfen.

Sorry, I can't help you.

'dir' is the dative object of 'helfen'.

Es tut mir furchtbar leid, ich habe dein Glas zerbrochen.

I am terribly sorry, I broke your glass.

'furchtbar' is a strong intensifier.

Es tut mir leid, dich so lange warten zu lassen.

I am sorry to keep you waiting so long.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Tut mir leid, aber ich muss jetzt wirklich gehen.

Sorry, but I really have to go now.

Using 'aber' to introduce a necessity.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich mich erst jetzt melde.

I am sorry that I am only getting in touch now.

Common phrase for late replies.

Tut es Ihnen leid, dass Sie das Angebot abgelehnt haben?

Do you regret (Are you sorry) that you rejected the offer?

Formal 'Ihnen' in a question.

Es tut mir leid, aber das ist leider nicht möglich.

I am sorry, but that is unfortunately not possible.

'Leider' adds a layer of politeness.

Es tut mir leid, Sie enttäuschen zu müssen.

I am sorry to have to disappoint you.

Formal infinitive construction.

Tut mir leid, ich habe mich in der Hausnummer geirrt.

Sorry, I was mistaken about the house number.

'Sich irren' means to be mistaken.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich Ihre Zeit verschwendet habe.

I am sorry that I wasted your time.

Past tense in a 'dass' clause.

Es tut mir aufrichtig leid, falls ich Sie beleidigt habe.

I am sincerely sorry if I offended you.

'Aufrichtig' is a formal intensifier.

Es tut mir leid, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass Ihre Bewerbung abgelehnt wurde.

I am sorry to have to inform you that your application was rejected.

Complex sentence with both infinitive and 'dass' clause.

Tut es dir nicht leid, wie du ihn behandelt hast?

Aren't you sorry for how you treated him?

Negative question for emphasis.

Es tut mir leid, aber ich kann diese Entscheidung nicht mittragen.

I am sorry, but I cannot support this decision.

Professional disagreement.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich erst jetzt auf Ihre Anfrage reagiere.

I am sorry that I am only now responding to your inquiry.

Formal business communication.

Es tut mir leid, wenn ich Sie unterbrochen habe.

I am sorry if I interrupted you.

Using 'wenn' (if) for a conditional apology.

Es tut mir leid, dass wir uns unter diesen Umständen kennenlernen.

I am sorry that we are meeting under these circumstances.

Idiomatic expression for difficult situations.

Es tut mir leid, aber mein Gedächtnis lässt mich im Stich.

I am sorry, but my memory is failing me.

Idiomatic use of 'im Stich lassen'.

Es tut mir unendlich leid, dass ich Ihr Vertrauen missbraucht habe.

I am infinitely sorry that I abused your trust.

'Unendlich' is a very strong intensifier.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich nicht früher die Initiative ergriffen habe.

I am sorry that I didn't take the initiative sooner.

High-level vocabulary: 'Initiative ergreifen'.

Tut es Ihnen leid, dass Sie sich für diesen Karriereweg entschieden haben?

Do you regret choosing this career path?

Abstract use of regret.

Es tut mir leid, aber Ihre Argumentation ist in sich widersprüchlich.

I am sorry, but your reasoning is inherently contradictory.

Polite but firm academic critique.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich Ihre Erwartungen nicht erfüllen konnte.

I am sorry that I could not meet your expectations.

Formal professional apology.

Es tut mir leid, wenn ich durch meine Abwesenheit Unannehmlichkeiten verursacht habe.

I am sorry if I caused any inconvenience by my absence.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'Unannehmlichkeiten'.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich die Tragweite meiner Worte nicht bedacht habe.

I am sorry that I did not consider the implications of my words.

Abstract noun: 'Tragweite'.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich Sie in diese missliche Lage gebracht habe.

I am sorry that I put you in this awkward situation.

Adjective: 'misslich'.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich die Komplexität der Situation unterschätzt habe.

I am sorry that I underestimated the complexity of the situation.

High-level analytical apology.

Es tut mir leid, aber ich muss auf der Einhaltung der Verträge bestehen.

I am sorry, but I must insist on compliance with the contracts.

Formal legalistic apology.

Tut es Ihnen leid, dass Sie die Gelegenheit zur Versöhnung verstreichen ließen?

Do you regret letting the opportunity for reconciliation slip away?

Literary vocabulary: 'verstreichen lassen'.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich Ihre Gastfreundschaft so schamlos ausgenutzt habe.

I am sorry that I so shamelessly took advantage of your hospitality.

Strong adverb: 'schamlos'.

Es tut mir leid, wenn meine Ausführungen zu Missverständnissen geführt haben.

I am sorry if my remarks led to misunderstandings.

Formal academic register.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich mich derart im Ton vergriffen habe.

I am sorry that I used such an inappropriate tone.

Idiom: 'sich im Ton vergreifen'.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich die subtilen Nuancen Ihrer Kritik übersehen habe.

I am sorry that I overlooked the subtle nuances of your criticism.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'subtil', 'Nuancen'.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich Sie mit meinen persönlichen Problemen behelligt habe.

I am sorry that I troubled you with my personal problems.

Formal verb: 'behelligen'.

Common Collocations

Es tut mir sehr leid.

Es tut mir wirklich leid.

Es tut mir furchtbar leid.

Das tut mir leid.

Tut mir leid, aber...

Es tut mir aufrichtig leid.

Es tut mir leid wegen...

Tut mir leid, dass...

Es muss dir nicht leid tun.

Tut es dir leid?

Common Phrases

Tut mir leid, ich habe mich verhört.

— Used when you misheard something.

Wie bitte? Tut mir leid, ich habe mich verhört.

Tut mir leid, ich habe mich verwählt.

— Used when you dial the wrong phone number.

Oh, tut mir leid, ich habe mich verwählt.

Tut mir leid, ich bin nicht von hier.

— Used when you can't give directions because you're a stranger.

Wo ist die Post? Tut mir leid, ich bin nicht von hier.

Es tut mir leid, Sie stören zu müssen.

— A polite way to interrupt someone.

Es tut mir leid, Sie stören zu müssen, aber es gibt ein Telefonat für Sie.

Tut mir leid, ich habe kein Kleingeld.

— Used when you can't give change or money to someone.

Haben Sie einen Euro? Tut mir leid, ich habe kein Kleingeld.

Das tut mir unendlich leid.

— Expressing extreme regret or sympathy.

Dass dein Hund gestorben ist, tut mir unendlich leid.

Tut mir leid, ich stehe auf dem Schlauch.

— Used when you don't understand something simple.

Ich verstehe den Witz nicht. Tut mir leid, ich stehe auf dem Schlauch.

Es tut mir leid, das war keine Absicht.

— Used to say something wasn't intentional.

Ich habe dein Glas umgestoßen. Es tut mir leid, das war keine Absicht.

Tut mir leid, ich habe den Faden verloren.

— Used when you forget what you were saying.

Was wollte ich sagen? Tut mir leid, ich habe den Faden verloren.

Tut mir leid, ich bin vollkommen ausgelastet.

— A formal way to say you are too busy.

Kannst du mir helfen? Tut mir leid, ich bin vollkommen ausgelastet.

Often Confused With

Tut mir leid vs Entschuldigung

'Entschuldigung' is 'Excuse me', 'Tut mir leid' is 'I'm sorry'.

Tut mir leid vs Es tut mir weh

'Es tut mir weh' means 'It hurts me' (physically).

Tut mir leid vs Ich bin leid

Incorrect grammar; always use 'Es tut mir leid'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Sich leid tun"

— To feel sorry for oneself.

Er tut sich selbst leid.

Neutral

"Geteiltes Leid ist halbes Leid."

— A shared sorrow is half a sorrow (trouble shared is trouble halved).

Komm, erzähl mir davon. Geteiltes Leid ist halbes Leid.

Proverb

"Leid und Freud teilen"

— To share joys and sorrows.

In einer Ehe teilt man Leid und Freud.

Literary

"Jemandem sein Leid klagen"

— To pour out one's heart/troubles to someone.

Sie hat mir gestern stundenlang ihr Leid geklagt.

Neutral

"Ein Ende mit Schrecken ist besser als ein Schrecken ohne Ende."

— A painful but quick end is better than prolonged suffering.

Wir sollten das Projekt jetzt stoppen. Ein Ende mit Schrecken ist besser als ein Schrecken ohne Ende.

Proverb

"Leidtragender sein"

— To be the one who suffers the consequences.

Die Kinder sind oft die Leidtragenden einer Scheidung.

Formal

"Zu meinem Bedauern"

— To my regret (formal way to start a sentence).

Zu meinem Bedauern muss ich Ihnen absagen.

Formal

"In Sack und Asche gehen"

— To show great remorse or mourning (biblical origin).

Nach seinem Fehler ging er symbolisch in Sack und Asche.

Literary

"Sich die Augen aus dem Kopf weinen"

— To cry one's eyes out from sorrow.

Sie hat sich gestern das Leid von der Seele geweint.

Informal

"Jemandem ein Leid zufügen"

— To cause someone harm or sorrow.

Ich wollte dir niemals ein Leid zufügen.

Formal

Easily Confused

Tut mir leid vs leise

Similar sound.

'Leise' means quiet, 'leid' means sorry.

Sei bitte leise! vs. Es tut mir leid.

Tut mir leid vs leer

Similar sound.

'Leer' means empty, 'leid' means sorry.

Das Glas ist leer. vs. Es tut mir leid.

Tut mir leid vs Lied

Similar sound.

'Lied' means song, 'leid' means sorry.

Ich singe ein Lied. vs. Es tut mir leid.

Tut mir leid vs Leib

Similar sound.

'Leib' means body (old word), 'leid' means sorry.

Am eigenen Leib erfahren. vs. Es tut mir leid.

Tut mir leid vs Leid (Noun)

Same word, different function.

The noun 'Leid' is capitalized and means suffering.

Das Leid der Welt. vs. Es tut mir leid.

Sentence Patterns

Tut mir leid.

Es tut mir leid.

Es tut mir leid wegen [Nomen].

Es tut mir leid wegen der Verspätung.

Es tut [Dativ] leid.

Es tut ihm leid.

Es tut mir leid, dass [Nebensatz].

Es tut mir leid, dass ich nicht kommen kann.

Es tut mir leid, [Infinitiv mit zu].

Es tut mir leid, Sie zu stören.

Es tut mir [Adverb] leid.

Es tut mir aufrichtig leid.

Es tut mir leid, wenn [Nebensatz].

Es tut mir leid, wenn ich Sie beleidigt habe.

Word Family

Nouns

das Leid (sorrow)

das Mitleid (pity/compassion)

das Beileid (condolences)

die Leidenschaft (passion)

Verbs

leiden (to suffer)

mitleiden (to empathize)

verleiden (to spoil something for someone)

Adjectives

leidig (tiresome)

leidvoll (sorrowful)

leidlich (tolerable)

bedauern

bereuen

entschuldigen

verzeihen

traurig

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily German.

Common Mistakes

Tut mich leid. → Tut mir leid.
'Mir' is the dative form of 'ich'. The phrase requires the dative case.
Ich bin leid. → Es tut mir leid.
In German, you don't 'be' sorry; the situation 'does' sorrow to you.
Es tut mir leid, dass ich bin zu spät. → Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät bin.
In a 'dass' clause, the verb must go to the very end of the sentence.
Tut mir Leid (with capital L) → Tut mir leid (lowercase)
Modern German spelling rules prefer the lowercase 'leid' in this phrase.
Tut mir leid für deine Hilfe. → Danke für deine Hilfe.
Don't use 'Tut mir leid' when you mean 'Thank you' (common mistake for some learners).

Tips

Dative Pronouns

Always use dative pronouns: mir, dir, ihm, ihr, uns, euch, ihnen, Ihnen. 'Tut mich leid' is always wrong.

Be Sincere

Germans value sincerity. Only say 'Tut mir leid' if you actually mean it; don't use it as a meaningless filler.

Drop the 'Es'

In casual conversation, dropping the 'Es' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.

Comma Usage

Always put a comma before 'dass' or an infinitive with 'zu' when using 'Tut mir leid'.

Intensifiers

Use 'furchtbar' or 'schrecklich' for big mistakes, and 'sehr' or 'wirklich' for everyday ones.

Sympathy

Use 'Das tut mir leid' when a friend tells you something bad happened to them. It's a great way to show you care.

Admitting Mistakes

In a German workplace, a quick 'Tut mir leid, mein Fehler' is often better than making long excuses.

Context Matters

If you hear 'Tut mir leid' in a train station, it's almost always followed by 'für die Verspätung'.

Mnemonic

Remember 'Toot Meer Light' to get the pronunciation right every time.

Word Order

In the phrase 'Es tut mir leid', 'leid' always comes at the end of the main clause.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Toot Meer Light'. A train (Toot) goes into the sea (Meer) and turns on a light (Light) because it's sorry it's late.

Visual Association

Imagine a small 'Es' (it) pushing a heavy box labeled 'Leid' (sorrow) towards 'Mir' (me).

Word Web

Sorrow Apology Regret Empathy Dative Case Impersonal Verb Social Politeness Sympathy

Challenge

Try to use 'Tut mir leid' three times today: once for a small mistake, once to decline something, and once to show empathy.

Word Origin

The phrase comes from the Old High German 'leid' (painful, distressing) and the verb 'tuon' (to do).

Original meaning: It does me harm / It causes me pain.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'Tut mir leid' for deaths; 'Mein Beileid' is much more appropriate and respectful.

English speakers say 'sorry' much more frequently and for smaller things than Germans do. In Germany, 'Entschuldigung' is more common for minor social 'oops' moments.

The song 'Es tut mir leid' by various German artists. Commonly heard in German dubbed versions of famous movies when characters apologize.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Arriving late

Tut mir leid für die Verspätung.
Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät bin.
Tut mir leid, der Bus hatte Verspätung.

Refusing an invitation

Tut mir leid, ich habe schon etwas vor.
Es tut mir leid, aber ich kann nicht kommen.
Das tut mir leid, vielleicht nächstes Mal.

Expressing sympathy

Das tut mir sehr leid für dich.
Es tut mir leid, das zu hören.
Oh nein, das tut mir leid.

Making a mistake at work

Es tut mir leid, das war mein Fehler.
Tut mir leid, ich werde es sofort korrigieren.
Es tut mir leid für das Missverständnis.

Bumping into someone

Oh, tut mir leid!
Entschuldigung, das tut mir leid.
Verzeihung, tut mir leid.

Conversation Starters

"Es tut mir leid, darf ich Sie etwas fragen?"

"Tut mir leid, ist dieser Platz noch frei?"

"Es tut mir leid, dass ich störe, aber haben Sie kurz Zeit?"

Journal Prompts

Wann hat dir das letzte Mal etwas wirklich leid getan?

Schreibe eine Entschuldigung an einen Freund für ein vergessenes Treffen.

Was ist der Unterschied zwischen 'Tut mir leid' und 'Entschuldigung' für dich?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Since the spelling reform of 1996, 'leid' is written with a lowercase 'l' because it is treated as an adjective in this phrase. However, you will still see the capitalized version in older texts or from people who prefer the old spelling.

While many young Germans use the English word 'sorry', they usually say 'Tut mir leid' or just 'Sorry'. 'Ich bin sorry' is not a standard German construction and sounds like a literal translation from English.

'Entschuldigung' is used to get someone's attention (Excuse me) or for minor social errors. 'Tut mir leid' is for expressing actual regret or sympathy (I'm sorry).

You change the dative pronoun 'mir' to 'uns': 'Es tut uns leid.'

It is neutral and can be used in almost any situation. For extremely formal situations, 'Ich bitte um Verzeihung' is better.

The phrase uses the dative case because the sorrow is being 'done' to you. In German, many verbs expressing feelings use the dative case.

It is okay, but 'Mein Beileid' is much more common and respectful for expressing condolences.

It means 'I am sorry about that' and is used to show sympathy for someone else's situation.

Add 'sehr' or 'wirklich': 'Es tut mir sehr leid' or 'Es tut mir wirklich leid.'

No, use 'Entschuldigung' to get someone's attention for a question.