Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen dass die
We regret to inform you that the
字面意思: We regret to-you to-share to must that the
15秒了解
- Formal way to deliver bad news in writing.
- Triggers a 'dass' clause with the verb at the end.
- Used by companies, authorities, and professional services.
意思
This is a very formal way to deliver bad news. It is the German equivalent of 'We regret to inform you that the...'
关键例句
3 / 7A job rejection letter
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Stelle bereits besetzt ist.
We regret to inform you that the position has already been filled.
A flight cancellation notice
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Maschine heute nicht abhebt.
We regret to inform you that the plane will not take off today.
A restaurant canceling a booking
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Reservierung storniert wurde.
We regret to inform you that the reservation has been canceled.
文化背景
The use of 'Wir' (We) instead of 'Ich' (I) is crucial. It shifts the responsibility from the individual employee to the institution, which is a key feature of German professional distance. In Austria, formal language can sometimes be even more flowery or 'höflich' (polite) than in Germany, but this specific phrase remains the standard for official rejections. Swiss German business correspondence follows the same High German standards for formal letters, using this phrase to maintain a neutral and professional tone. There is a trend called 'Customer Centricity' where some modern companies try to avoid this phrase because it sounds too 'robotic'. They might use 'Leider haben wir schlechte Nachrichten' instead.
The 'Dass' Trap
Always remember that 'dass' sends the verb to the end. If you have a long explanation, the verb might be 10 words away!
Don't be too personal
Avoid saying 'Ich bedauere' in a business letter unless you are the CEO. 'Wir' is the standard institutional voice.
15秒了解
- Formal way to deliver bad news in writing.
- Triggers a 'dass' clause with the verb at the end.
- Used by companies, authorities, and professional services.
What It Means
This phrase is the ultimate 'bad news' starter in German. It sounds very official, polite, and slightly distant. You will see it in letters or emails from companies. It acts as a linguistic cushion for the reader. It signals immediately that the news following will be disappointing. Think of it as a professional warning sign. It says: 'Prepare yourself, something didn't work out.'
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. Because it ends with dass, it triggers a subordinate clause. This means the main verb moves to the very end. For example, if the train is late, the verb verspätet goes last. It is a bit like a puzzle. You set the stage with regret, then drop the news. Always remember to use the dative Ihnen for 'you'. It shows respect to the recipient.
When To Use It
Use this in professional emails or formal letters. It is perfect for job rejections or service cancellations. Use it when a flight is delayed or a room is booked. It works well when you represent a company or group. It helps you stay professional while delivering a blow. It is common in 'Beamtendeutsch' or bureaucratic German. You will hear it over loudspeakers at train stations too. It is the gold standard for corporate apologies.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your partner or close friends. It will make you sound like a cold robot. Imagine telling your friend you forgot their birthday this way. They would think you are joking or being mean. Avoid it for small, personal inconveniences. Do not use it if the news is actually good. That would be very confusing for a German speaker! It is too heavy for casual, everyday conversations.
Cultural Background
Germans value directness, but officialdom loves a polite buffer. This phrase comes from a long tradition of formal correspondence. It reflects the German desire for 'Höflichkeit' or politeness in public life. It allows the sender to remain objective. It shifts the focus from 'I am sorry' to 'The situation is regrettable.' It is a classic example of German administrative style. It shows that the rules were followed, even if the result is bad.
Common Variations
You might see Ich bedauere if it is just one person. A shorter version is Leider müssen wir Ihnen mitteilen. If you want to be even more formal, try Zu unserem Bedauern. Sometimes people just start with Leider... to be quicker. However, the full phrase is the most traditional way. It remains the standard for official rejections in Germany.
使用说明
This is a high-level B2 phrase. It requires mastery of the dative case (Ihnen) and subordinate clause word order. It is strictly for formal contexts.
The 'Dass' Trap
Always remember that 'dass' sends the verb to the end. If you have a long explanation, the verb might be 10 words away!
Don't be too personal
Avoid saying 'Ich bedauere' in a business letter unless you are the CEO. 'Wir' is the standard institutional voice.
The Buffer Effect
Germans use this phrase as a 'buffer'. It signals the bad news is coming so the reader isn't shocked mid-sentence.
例句
7Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Stelle bereits besetzt ist.
We regret to inform you that the position has already been filled.
Standard HR language for turning down an applicant.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Maschine heute nicht abhebt.
We regret to inform you that the plane will not take off today.
Commonly heard at airports during delays or cancellations.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Reservierung storniert wurde.
We regret to inform you that the reservation has been canceled.
Used when a business cannot fulfill a prior agreement.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Pizza leider schon alle ist.
We regret to inform you that the pizza is unfortunately all gone.
Using such formal language for pizza is clearly a joke.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Leihfrist abgelaufen ist.
We regret to inform you that the loan period has expired.
Typical automated message from a public institution.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Veranstaltung ausfällt.
We regret to inform you that the event is cancelled.
A neutral but very formal way to announce a change in plans.
Wir bedauern Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass die Spielzeugabteilung schließt.
We regret to inform you that the toy department is closing.
A parent acting like a serious official to tease their child.
自我测试
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal rejection.
Wir bedauern, Ihnen mitteilen zu ________, dass wir Ihre Anfrage ________ können.
The standard phrase uses 'müssen' and the context of 'bedauern' implies a negative result like 'nicht annehmen'.
Which sentence uses the correct word order?
A: Wir bedauern, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass der Flug verspätet ist. B: Wir bedauern, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass der Flug ist verspätet.
In a 'dass' clause, the verb 'ist' must go to the end of the clause.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Phrase: 'Wir bedauern, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass...'
This phrase is specifically for high-level formal/institutional bad news.
Complete the formal email snippet.
Sehr geehrter Herr Müller, ________, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass Ihr Paket verloren ging.
'Wir bedauern' fits the formal 'Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen' structure perfectly.
🎉 得分： /4
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练习题库
4 练习Wir bedauern, Ihnen mitteilen zu ________, dass wir Ihre Anfrage ________ können.
The standard phrase uses 'müssen' and the context of 'bedauern' implies a negative result like 'nicht annehmen'.
A: Wir bedauern, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass der Flug verspätet ist. B: Wir bedauern, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass der Flug ist verspätet.
In a 'dass' clause, the verb 'ist' must go to the end of the clause.
Phrase: 'Wir bedauern, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass...'
This phrase is specifically for high-level formal/institutional bad news.
Sehr geehrter Herr Müller, ________, Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen, dass Ihr Paket verloren ging.
'Wir bedauern' fits the formal 'Ihnen mitteilen zu müssen' structure perfectly.
🎉 得分： /4
常见问题
10 个问题Less often. Startups prefer 'Leider klappt es diesmal nicht' or 'Wir haben uns anders entschieden'.
Yes, e.g., 'Wir bedauern diesen Vorfall sehr.' (We regret this incident very much.)
The verb 'mitteilen' takes a dative object for the person being informed. 'Ihnen' is the formal dative of 'Sie'.
No, it sounds extremely polite, but in a cold, institutional way.
'Wir freuen uns, Ihnen mitteilen zu können, dass...' (We are pleased to be able to inform you that...)
Only if you want to be the most hated person in history. It's way too formal.
Yes, it separates the main clause from the infinitive clause.
It means 'to communicate' or 'to share information'. It's more formal than 'sagen'.
Yes, that's slightly shorter and still formal, but 'mitteilen zu müssen' adds a layer of professional polish.
Mainly in announcements (trains, planes) or very formal speeches, rarely in conversation.
相关表达
Leider müssen wir Ihnen mitteilen
similarUnfortunately we must inform you
Wir freuen uns, Ihnen mitzuteilen
contrastWe are pleased to inform you
Zu unserem Bedauern
specialized formTo our regret
Wir müssen Sie davon in Kenntnis setzen
similarWe must put you in knowledge of this
