Used to apologise, to express regret, or to politely interrupt or ask someone to repeat themselves.
Äußerung des Bedauerns über einen eigenen Fehler.
Adjective used as an interjection. Can be followed by 'for': 'I'm sorry for being late.' Also used to ask someone to repeat: 'Sorry?' (rising intonation). Common phrases: 'I'm sorry', 'Sorry about that', 'Sorry to bother you'.
The British are famous for saying 'sorry' very frequently — even when something is not their fault, or when someone bumps into them. This is a cultural habit of politeness and conflict avoidance. In a survey, British people were found to say 'sorry' an average of eight times a day.
Example Sentences
"I am sorry I shouted at you."
🇩🇪 "Es tut mir leid, dass ich dich angeschrien habe."
"They are sorry they broke the pot."
🇩🇪 "Es tut ihnen leid, dass sie den Topf kaputt gemacht haben."