21 December 2025
How do you say Sorry in German?
It’s the word you reach for when you bump into someone, make a mistake, or seek real emotional forgiveness. In German, this word is Verzeihung. It’s your German word of the day, and it’s used both to be polite and to ask for deeper pardon.
The noun Verzeihung means forgiveness or pardon, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. You’ll hear it in both everyday interactions and more serious conversations about apology and reconciliation.
It’s a feminine noun, so we say die Verzeihung (not sure how gender works? Our super-useful, clear video lesson will help you get it fast: Watch the 5-minute video lesson on German noun genders).
Pronunciation
Verzeihung is pronounced approximately [fer-TSY-ung], with short u in -ung.
- Ver- is unstressed, approximately [fɛɐ̯] (a short e followed by a reduced r sound),
- zeih sounds like “tsy” - German z is “ts,” and ei rhymes with “sigh”
- ung has a short u as in “put” and ng as in “sing”
- Stress is on the second syllable: ver-ZEIH-ung
It has a formal, sincere tone - one that conveys genuine regret or courtesy.
Example sentences:
Verzeihung, ich habe Sie nicht gesehen.Excuse me, I didn’t see you.
Ich bitte dich um Verzeihung.I ask for your forgiveness.
Nuance and usage tips
Verzeihung has two main uses:
- Polite interjection - Like “excuse me” or “pardon me”Used when addressing someone, interrupting, or apologizing lightly-and as a polite “Pardon?” when you didn’t catch what someone said
- Formal or emotional forgiveness - Asking someone to forgive a real mistake or hurtOften in the phrase um Verzeihung bitten - to ask for forgiveness
In casual settings, you’ll more often hear:
- Entschuldigung - excuse me, sorry (more common and versatile)
- Tut mir leid - I’m sorry
But Verzeihung is more elevated - sincere and respectful. It’s also the noun form of the verb verzeihen (to forgive).
How does this word come up in real conversations?
You might use Verzeihung when brushing past someone in a crowd or if you need to interrupt a conversation. It’s also common in more formal language - at the doctor’s office, in court, or in literature.
Beginner tip: If you feel unsure, stick with Entschuldigung for general “sorry,” but listen for Verzeihung when people are being especially polite, careful, or formal.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Nico: Verzeihung, ist dieser Platz noch frei?Emma: Nein, tut mir leid. Mein Freund sitzt hier.Nico: Alles gut. Danke!Emma: Kein Problem!
Nico: Excuse me, is this seat still free?Emma: No, sorry. My boyfriend is sitting here.Nico: All good. Thanks!Emma: No problem!
Grammatical case examples:
Nominative:Die Verzeihung fiel ihm schwer.Forgiveness was difficult for him.
Accusative:Ich erbitte deine Verzeihung.I ask for your forgiveness.
Dative:Mit der Verzeihung kam der Frieden.With forgiveness came peace.
Genitive:Die Worte der Verzeihung waren ehrlich.The words of forgiveness were sincere.
Feminine case pattern: die, die, der, der
Word variations and language tidbits
You’ll see Verzeihung in more serious or poetic contexts, while verzeihen as a verb is common in spoken German:
- Verzeih mir. - Forgive me.
- Ich kann es dir nicht verzeihen. - I can’t forgive you for that.
- Verzeihungsschreiben - letter asking for forgiveness (transparent compound)
Entschuldigungsschreiben - letter of apology
Fun note: While Verzeihung is less commonly used than Entschuldigung, it often sounds more sincere or humble. It’s especially polite in formal situations or when speaking to strangers.
📘 Duden entry: https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Verzeihung🎥 Learn Verzeihung and the rest of the top 1000 German nouns in our free online video course: Watch the 1000 German Nouns video course
Ready for more German words of the day? Do you know what Urteil means? How about Weg? Find out!
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