German · Greetings & Phrases
Es tut mir leid
I'm sorry
Beginnerphrase
Definition
An expression of sincere apology.
Example
Es tut mir leid, ich habe mich geirrt.
I'm sorry, I made a mistake.
Etymology
'Es tut mir leid' translates to 'I am sorry' and literally means 'It does me sorrow'. Its use as an apology has been consistent in the German language since the 19th century.
How & Where It’s Used
This phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal situations when expressing regret. It is predominantly spoken but can also appear in written forms.