excuse
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excuse
A reason given for misbehavior or a failure to do something, often not the true cause and only serving as justification.
Er kam zu spät und hatte wie immer eine fantasievolle Ausrede parat.
He arrived late and, as always, had an imaginative excuse ready.
The word is made up of 'aus' (out) and 'Rede' (speech/talk). The idea behind it is that you talk your way 'out of' an unpleasant situation with a speech or explanation.
Seine Erklärung klang mehr nach einer Ausrede als nach einem echten Grund.
His explanation sounded more like an excuse than a real reason.
Common verbs used with 'Ausrede' (excuse) are 'eine Ausrede haben' (to have an excuse), 'eine Ausrede suchen' (to look for an excuse), or 'etwas als Ausrede benutzen' (to use something as an excuse).
Er sucht immer nach einer Ausrede, um nicht beim Abwasch helfen zu müssen.
He is always looking for an excuse not to have to help with the dishes.
An 'Ausrede' (excuse) almost always has a negative connotation. It implies that the reason given is not the true one and only serves to avoid responsibility.
„Ich hatte keine Zeit“ ist eine klassische Ausrede.
'I didn't have time' is a classic excuse.
apology / excuse
Both Entschuldigung and Ausrede can give a reason for failing to do something. An Entschuldigung can be sincere, whereas an Ausrede is often merely fabricated and does not state the true cause. Use Entschuldigung for a genuinely intended justification and Ausrede when there is such a suspicion.
Seine Erklärung für die Verspätung war nur eine Ausrede, weil er zu spät aufgestanden war.
His explanation for being late was just an excuse because he had overslept.
Seine Entschuldigung für die Verspätung war ehrlich, weil der Bus ausgefallen war.
His excuse for being late was sincere because the bus had broken down.
