German word

Entschuldigung

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛntˈʃʊldɪgʊŋ/

Meaning

  • interjectionexcuse me

Example

Entschuldigung, darf ich kurz stören?

Excuse me, may I interrupt for a moment?

Illustration for Entschuldigung (excuse me)

More examples

Entschuldigung, ich habe Sie nicht verstanden.

Excuse me, I didn't understand you.

Core concept

A polite interruption signal that opens contact while leaving the exact reason, such as an apology or request, to the following words.

Common phrases

  • Entschuldigung, darf ich kurz?

    excuse me, may I interrupt briefly?

  • Entschuldigung, noch einmal bitte

    excuse me, one more time, please

Similar words

Entschuldigen Sie: A formal way to get attention while apologizing for the inconvenience.
Verzeihung: A polite, brief call for attention.
Pardon: A brief request for repetition or a light interruption.
Sorry: A casual apology addressed to a friend or someone familiar.

Definition in German

Kurzer Ausruf, den man benutzt, um sich höflich zu entschuldigen oder um kurz die Aufmerksamkeit anderer zu erlangen.

Word origin

The form Entschuldigung developed from entschuldigen through the productive noun-forming suffix -ung, with Schuld as its central German root.

Usage tips

  • Entschuldigung often precedes a request or question, as in Entschuldigung, darf ich kurz stören?, rather than functioning only as an apology.

Other meanings

  • sorryinterjection

Related words

  • entschuldigenapologizeverb
  • entschuldigendapologeticadjective
  • Entschuldigungsschreibenletter of apologynoun

Word lists with this word