A2 Formal Apology
„Es tut mir leid."
I am sorry.
What does „Es tut mir leid." mean in German?
„Es tut mir leid." means "I am sorry.." Literally: "It does me sorrow.."
Literal Translation
"It does me sorrow."
Es It
tut does
mir me
leid sorrow
English Equivalent
"I'm sorry."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Dative (mir); 'leid tun'
When is this idiom used?
Formal
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Quick Quiz — Test Yourself
Test your knowledge of Es tut mir leid.
Related Idioms
„Ich bitte um Verzeihung."
I beg your pardon.
„Entschuldigen Sie!"
I beg your pardon.
„Nichts für ungut!"
No offence, I hope.
„Wer A sagt, muß auch B sagen."
In for a penny, in for a pound.
„Er kommt ab und zu."
He comes now and then.
„Er ist das Abbild (von) seiner Mutter."
He is the very image of his mother.
