die Entschuldigung 30秒了解
- Die Entschuldigung is the standard German word for 'apology' or 'excuse'.
- It is a feminine noun (die) and is used both as an interjection and a formal noun.
- In schools, it specifically refers to a written note explaining a child's absence.
- Commonly used with the phrase 'um Entschuldigung bitten' to ask for forgiveness.
The German noun die Entschuldigung is a fundamental pillar of German social interaction, serving as the primary vehicle for expressing regret, seeking forgiveness, or simply navigating social spaces. At its linguistic core, the word is a masterpiece of German morphology. It is derived from the root Schuld (guilt, debt, or fault). The prefix ent- signifies a removal or reversal, while the suffix -ung transforms the action into a formal noun. Therefore, etymologically, an Entschuldigung is the 'removal of guilt' or the 'un-faulting' of a person.
- Grammatical Gender
- Feminine (die), which is standard for nouns ending in -ung.
- Plural Form
- die Entschuldigungen (rarely used in the plural except in formal contexts like school notes).
- Primary Function
- To acknowledge a mistake and request the restoration of social harmony.
"Ich bitte vielmals um Entschuldigung für meine Verspätung."
In everyday life, you will encounter this word in two distinct forms: as a standalone interjection (Entschuldigung!) and as a formal noun requiring a verb like bitten (to ask) or schreiben (to write). In a school context, an Entschuldigung is specifically a written note from a parent explaining a child's absence. In a professional context, it represents a formal apology for a missed deadline or a technical error.
Ohne eine formelle Entschuldigung wird der Chef nicht zufrieden sein.
- Social Nuance
- Using the word correctly demonstrates respect for the other person's time and boundaries.
Die Entschuldigung kam leider viel zu spät.
Using die Entschuldigung correctly involves understanding its syntactic environment. Most commonly, it is paired with the preposition um when asking for an apology. The standard phrase is jemanden um Entschuldigung bitten. Note that in German, you technically 'ask for de-guilting' rather than 'making' an apology like in English. While you can say eine Entschuldigung vorbringen (to offer an excuse), the most natural way to express regret is through the verb sich entschuldigen.
- As an Interjection: Simply saying "Entschuldigung!" is the equivalent of "Excuse me" or "Sorry."
- As a Formal Document: "Ich muss eine Entschuldigung für die Schule schreiben." (I have to write an excuse note for school.)
- With Adjectives: Use 'aufrichtig' (sincere), 'schriftlich' (written), or 'lahm' (lame/weak).
Seine Entschuldigung klang nicht sehr überzeugend.
When you are in a crowded U-Bahn and need to get off, a short, sharp "Entschuldigung!" with a slight nod is the standard procedure. In a business meeting, if you interrupt someone, you might say, "Entschuldigung, darf ich kurz etwas hinzufügen?" (Excuse me, may I briefly add something?). The word acts as a social lubricant that acknowledges the potential intrusion into someone else's space or flow.
You will hear die Entschuldigung in almost every layer of German life. In the service industry, waiters use it before placing a plate down. In public transport, the conductor uses it before announcing a delay: "Entschuldigung für die Verspätung." In educational settings, it is the technical term for the piece of paper that justifies an absence. In legal contexts, an 'Entschuldigungsgrund' is a legal excuse or justification for an action.
"Entschuldigung, ist dieser Platz noch frei?"
On television, talk show hosts use it to politely interrupt guests. In literature, it often appears in the context of internal conflict or moral reckoning. It is a word that bridges the gap between a minor social faux pas and a deep, heartfelt admission of wrongdoing. Interestingly, in very formal German, you might hear the phrase "Ich erbitte Ihre Entschuldigung," which is highly elevated and used in diplomatic or high-stakes corporate communications.
One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is trying to translate "I am sorry" literally as "Ich bin traurig" (which means I am sad) or "Ich bin Entschuldigung" (which is grammatically incorrect). In German, you don't *are* an apology; you *express* one or *ask* for one. Another mistake is confusing die Entschuldigung with die Ausrede. While both can be translated as 'excuse', Ausrede usually implies a flimsy, dishonest, or manufactured reason to avoid blame.
- Wrong
- "Ich mache eine Entschuldigung." (Literal translation of 'I make an apology')
- Right
- "Ich bitte um Entschuldigung." or "Ich entschuldige mich."
Furthermore, learners often forget the 'u' in the middle, spelling it 'Entschildigung', or they forget that the noun is feminine. Remember: die Entschuldigung. Also, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'sch' and 'ch' sounds; they are distinct and require precise tongue placement to be understood clearly by native speakers.
To truly master the semantic field of regret, one must look at the synonyms and related terms. Die Verzeihung is the closest synonym, often used in the phrase "Verzeihung!" instead of "Entschuldigung!". It feels slightly more personal. Die Abbitte is a very formal, almost archaic term for a public apology or making amends. Das Bedauern means 'regret' or 'remorse' and is often used in formal letters: "Mit großem Bedauern..." (With great regret...).
| Word | Nuance |
|---|---|
| Ausrede | Negative: A flimsy excuse/pretext. |
| Reue | Deep emotional remorse/repentance. |
| Rechtfertigung | Justification or defense of an action. |
Understanding these nuances prevents you from accidentally sounding defensive (using 'Rechtfertigung') when you intended to be apologetic (using 'Entschuldigung').
How Formal Is It?
难度评级
需要掌握的语法
Reflexive Verbs (sich entschuldigen)
Nouns ending in -ung are always feminine
Prepositional objects (um + Accusative)
Genitive case for possession (die Entschuldigung des Schülers)
Dative case for indirect objects (jemandem eine Entschuldigung geben)
按水平分级的例句
Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es?
Excuse me, what time is it?
Used as an interjection.
Entschuldigung, wo ist die Toilette?
Excuse me, where is the toilet?
Standard polite opening.
Oh, Entschuldigung!
Oh, sorry!
Expressing immediate regret.
Entschuldigung, ich verstehe das nicht.
Sorry, I don't understand that.
Polite interruption.
Entschuldigung, ist hier frei?
Excuse me, is this seat free?
Social inquiry.
Entschuldigung, darf ich mal vorbei?
Excuse me, can I get past?
Asking for space.
Entschuldigung, Herr Müller!
Excuse me, Mr. Müller!
Addressing someone formally.
Tausendmal Entschuldigung!
A thousand apologies!
Emphasis with 'tausendmal'.
Ich brauche eine Entschuldigung für die Schule.
I need an excuse note for school.
Noun used as a physical document.
Meine Entschuldigung war sehr kurz.
My apology was very short.
Possessive pronoun + noun.
Er hat mir eine Entschuldigung geschickt.
He sent me an apology.
Dative object + Accusative object.
Ist das eine Entschuldigung?
Is that an apology?
Simple question with 'sein'.
Ich schreibe eine Entschuldigung für meinen Sohn.
I am writing an excuse for my son.
Accusative case.
Die Entschuldigung ist wichtig.
The apology is important.
Subject of the sentence.
Hast du seine Entschuldigung gelesen?
Did you read his apology?
Perfect tense.
Ohne Entschuldigung darf er nicht gehen.
Without an excuse, he is not allowed to go.
Preposition 'ohne' + Accusative.
Ich möchte mich für die Verspätung um Entschuldigung bitten.
I would like to ask for an apology for the delay.
The standard 'um ... bitten' construction.
Die Firma veröffentlichte eine formelle Entschuldigung.
The company published a formal apology.
Adjective 'formell' modifying the noun.
Ihre Entschuldigung wurde sofort angenommen.
Her apology was accepted immediately.
Passive voice.
Er suchte nach einer glaubhaften Entschuldigung.
He was looking for a believable excuse.
Genitive/Dative context with 'nach'.
Es gibt keine Entschuldigung für dieses Verhalten.
There is no excuse for this behavior.
Existential 'es gibt'.
Wir erwarten eine schriftliche Entschuldigung.
We expect a written apology.
Accusative object.
Trotz seiner Entschuldigung war sie noch böse.
Despite his apology, she was still angry.
Preposition 'trotz' + Genitive.
Kannst du mir eine Entschuldigung formulieren?
Can you phrase an apology for me?
Verb 'formulieren'.
Seine Entschuldigung klang eher wie eine Rechtfertigung.
His apology sounded more like a justification.
Comparison with 'wie'.
Die Entschuldigung des Ministers war längst überfällig.
The minister's apology was long overdue.
Genitive attribute.
Ich nehme Ihre Entschuldigung hiermit an.
I hereby accept your apology.
Adverb 'hiermit' for formality.
Eine aufrichtige Entschuldigung kann Wunder wirken.
A sincere apology can work wonders.
Abstract subject.
Er brachte eine fadenscheinige Entschuldigung vor.
He put forward a flimsy excuse.
Separable verb 'vorbringen'.
Die Entschuldigung muss bis morgen vorliegen.
The excuse must be submitted by tomorrow.
Modal verb 'müssen'.
Sie verlangte eine öffentliche Entschuldigung.
She demanded a public apology.
Adjective 'öffentlich'.
In der Politik sind Entschuldigungen oft strategisch.
In politics, apologies are often strategic.
Plural form.
Die Entschuldigung entbehrte jeglicher Grundlage.
The apology lacked any foundation.
Elevated verb 'entbehren'.
Es bedarf einer umfassenden Entschuldigung für dieses Unrecht.
A comprehensive apology is required for this injustice.
Genitive with 'bedürfen'.
Seine Entschuldigung war lediglich ein Lippenbekenntnis.
His apology was merely lip service.
Idiomatic noun 'Lippenbekenntnis'.
Die Nuancen seiner Entschuldigung waren schwer zu deuten.
The nuances of his apology were hard to interpret.
Complex noun phrase.
Eine Entschuldigung allein macht den Schaden nicht ungeschehen.
An apology alone does not undo the damage.
Philosophical statement.
Die diplomatische Entschuldigung glättete die Wogen.
The diplomatic apology calmed the waters.
Metaphorical expression.
Er verweigerte beharrlich jede Form der Entschuldigung.
He persistently refused any form of apology.
Adverbial usage.
Die Entschuldigung wurde als Zeichen der Schwäche ausgelegt.
The apology was interpreted as a sign of weakness.
Passive voice with 'auslegen'.
Die ontologische Dimension der Entschuldigung wird oft verkannt.
The ontological dimension of the apology is often misjudged.
Academic register.
Seine Abbitte glich einer rituellen Entschuldigung ohne Reue.
His atonement resembled a ritualistic apology without remorse.
Comparison with 'gleichen'.
Die Entschuldigung fungierte als bloßer rhetorischer Kniff.
The apology functioned as a mere rhetorical trick.
Sophisticated vocabulary.
In der Tiefe der Entschuldigung liegt die Anerkennung des Anderen.
In the depth of the apology lies the recognition of the other.
Philosophical/Abstract.
Die völkerrechtliche Relevanz dieser Entschuldigung ist immens.
The relevance of this apology in international law is immense.
Specialized terminology.
Er stilisierte seine Entschuldigung zu einem Akt der Gnade.
He stylized his apology into an act of grace.
Verb 'stilisieren'.
Die Entschuldigung war von einer subtilen Ironie durchsetzt.
The apology was permeated by a subtle irony.
Passive construction.
Jede Entschuldigung ist auch eine Selbstentblößung.
Every apology is also a self-exposure.
Aphoristic style.
常见搭配
常用短语
容易混淆的词
习语与表达
容易混淆
句型
如何使用
In Austria, 'Verzeihung' is slightly more common in formal settings.
As an interjection, it's a sentence in itself. As a noun, it follows standard grammar.
- Using 'Ich bin Entschuldigung' instead of 'Ich entschuldige mich'.
- Forgetting the 'u' in the middle of the word.
- Using the masculine article 'der' instead of 'die'.
- Confusing 'Entschuldigung' with 'Rechtfertigung' in a conflict.
- Pronouncing the 'ch' like a 'k'.
小贴士
Noun Endings
Nouns ending in -ung are always feminine. This makes 'Entschuldigung' easy to categorize.
The 'sch' sound
Make sure to round your lips for the 'sch' to sound like a native speaker.
Be Sincere
In Germany, a sincere apology is better than a long, complicated excuse.
Formal Letters
Use 'Ich bitte um Entschuldigung' for a more professional tone in emails.
Word Family
Learn 'entschuldigen' (verb) at the same time to double your vocabulary power.
Public Transport
Use it quickly when you need to move through a crowd; it's very effective.
Punctuality
If you are late, 'Entschuldigung' should be the first thing you say.
Short Forms
Listen for 'Tschuldigung' in movies and street talk; it's the most common version.
School Notes
If you have kids in Germany, you will write this word many times.
vs. Ausrede
Don't use 'Ausrede' when you mean 'apology', as it sounds like you are lying.
记住它
词源
Middle High German 'entschuldigen'
文化背景
Formal 'Sie' is often used with 'Entschuldigung' in professional settings.
High importance in daily interactions.
Written excuses are mandatory for absences.
在生活中练习
真实语境
对话开场白
"Entschuldigung, darf ich Sie etwas fragen?"
"Haben Sie meine Entschuldigung erhalten?"
"Wie schreibt man eine Entschuldigung für den Lehrer?"
"Glaubst du, seine Entschuldigung war echt?"
"Brauchen wir eine formelle Entschuldigung?"
日记主题
Wann hast du dich das letzte Mal entschuldigt?
Schreibe eine fiktive Entschuldigung an dein jüngeres Ich.
Ist eine Entschuldigung ohne Taten wertvoll?
Warum fällt es manchen Menschen schwer, 'Entschuldigung' zu sagen?
Beschreibe eine Situation, in der eine Entschuldigung alles verändert hat.
常见问题
10 个问题No, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, 'Sorry' is more casual.
You say 'Ich entschuldige mich' or 'Ich bitte um Entschuldigung'.
It is a 'lame excuse' that no one believes.
Yes, if you didn't hear something, you can say 'Entschuldigung?' with a rising tone.
It is always 'die' (feminine).
You can say 'Schon gut', 'Kein Problem', or 'Entschuldigung angenommen'.
Usually, you need an 'Attest' (medical certificate), but a personal 'Entschuldigung' might be needed for short absences.
'Entschuldigung' is a noun/interjection, while 'Tut mir leid' is a phrase meaning 'It does me sorrow'.
Yes, it is the most polite way to interrupt a conversation.
Yes, in casual spoken German, the first syllable is often dropped.
自我测试 180 个问题
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 'die Entschuldigung' is essential for polite social navigation in German-speaking countries, serving as both a daily interjection and a formal tool for conflict resolution and administrative justification.
- Die Entschuldigung is the standard German word for 'apology' or 'excuse'.
- It is a feminine noun (die) and is used both as an interjection and a formal noun.
- In schools, it specifically refers to a written note explaining a child's absence.
- Commonly used with the phrase 'um Entschuldigung bitten' to ask for forgiveness.
Noun Endings
Nouns ending in -ung are always feminine. This makes 'Entschuldigung' easy to categorize.
The 'sch' sound
Make sure to round your lips for the 'sch' to sound like a native speaker.
Be Sincere
In Germany, a sincere apology is better than a long, complicated excuse.
Formal Letters
Use 'Ich bitte um Entschuldigung' for a more professional tone in emails.
例句
Ich schulde dir eine Entschuldigung.
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abonnieren
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absagen
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anbieten
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