How to use the German phrase "Tut mir leid" and what does it mean?

 "Tut mir leid" is a very common and versatile German phrase. It literally translates to "It does me sorrow" or "It causes me pain," but its meaning in everyday use is simply "I'm sorry" or "I feel bad."

Here's a breakdown of its usage:

1. Expressing Apology or Regret:

This is the most frequent use. "Tut mir leid" (or the full form "Es tut mir leid") is used when you want to apologize for something you've done, whether it's a minor mistake or a more significant one.

• For minor mistakes:
  • "Tut mir leid, ich habe dich aus Versehen angerempelt." (Sorry, I bumped into you by accident.)
  • "Tut mir leid, ich bin zu spät." (Sorry, I'm late.)
• For more significant apologies:
  • "Es tut mir leid, dass ich dich verletzt habe." (I'm sorry that I hurt you.)
  • "Es tut mir leid, dass ich deinen Geburtstag vergessen habe." (I'm sorry that I forgot your birthday.)

Important Note on Formality:

• "Es tut mir leid": This is the full, more formal or emphatic version. It suggests a more genuine or heartfelt apology. You'd use this when you truly feel bad about something.
• "Tut mir leid": This is the more casual, common, and often truncated version, suitable for everyday situations and with people you know well.
• "Es tut mir wirklich leid" or "Es tut mir sehr leid": You can add adverbs like "wirklich" (really) or "sehr" (very) to emphasize your remorse.

2. Expressing Sympathy or Condolences:

Just like in English, "I'm sorry" can be used to express sympathy when someone shares bad news. "Tut mir leid" works similarly in German.

• "Ich habe gehört, dein Hund ist krank. Das tut mir leid." (I heard your dog is sick. I'm sorry to hear that.)
• "Es tut mir leid, dass dir das passiert ist." (I'm sorry that happened to you.)
• When someone dies: "Es tut mir leid für deinen Verlust." (I'm sorry for your loss.)

3. Expressing Unavailability or Inability to Help:

You can also use "Tut mir leid" to politely decline a request or indicate that you can't help.

• "Hast du ein Feuerzeug? – Nein, tut mir leid." (Do you have a lighter? – No, I'm sorry.)
• "Tut mir leid, wir sind voll belegt." (I'm sorry, we're fully booked.)
• "Es tut mir leid, ich kann dir da nicht helfen." (I'm sorry, I can't help you with that.)

"Tut mir leid" vs. "Entschuldigung":

It's important to differentiate "Tut mir leid" from "Entschuldigung":

• Tut mir leid: Focuses on your feeling of sorrow or regret. It's more about "I feel bad."
• Entschuldigung: Means "excuse me" or "pardon me," and is a request for forgiveness or an excuse. It's used for:
  • Getting someone's attention: "Entschuldigung!" (Excuse me!)
  • Passing through a crowd: "Entschuldigung, darf ich mal durch?" (Excuse me, may I get through?)
  • A very quick, less emotional apology, like if you lightly bump into someone.

In general, if you've done something wrong and genuinely feel regret, "Tut mir leid" is the better choice. If you just need to get someone's attention or make a polite interruption, "Entschuldigung" is more suitable.