01
die Entschuldigung
apology
The expression of regret for a mistake or inconvenience that one has caused.
example
Ich nehme deine Entschuldigung an.
I accept your apology.
die Entschuldigung
apology / excuse
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'ent-' (away), the noun 'die Schuld' (guilt/blame), and the ending '-ung'. An 'Entschuldigung' (apology/excuse) is therefore meant to symbolically 'take away the guilt.'
EXAMPLE
Seine Entschuldigung klang nicht sehr aufrichtig.
His apology didn't sound very sincere.
Connection to the verb
The noun belongs to the verb 'entschuldigen' (to apologize/excuse). 'Sich für etwas entschuldigen' means to ask for forgiveness. 'Jemanden oder etwas entschuldigen' means to justify an absence or a mistake.
EXAMPLE
Er entschuldigte sich für seine Verspätung.
He apologized for being late.
Typical collocations
When expressing an apology, people often use the phrase 'um Entschuldigung bitten' (to ask for forgiveness/to apologize). The person who receives the apology can 'annehmen' (accept) or 'ablehnen' (reject) it.
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte Sie aufrichtig um Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten bitten.
I would like to sincerely apologize to you for the inconvenience.
Context clue
Whether an apology or a justification (excuse) is meant depends on the context. The phrase 'um Entschuldigung bitten' always means an apology. 'Eine Entschuldigung haben/suchen' often suggests a justification or excuse.
EXAMPLE
Er sucht immer nach einer neuen Entschuldigung, um nicht arbeiten zu müssen.
He is always looking for a new excuse not to have to work.
School and work context
In the context of school or work, 'die Entschuldigung' (excuse note) often refers to an official written note explaining an absence. In that case, you have to 'vorlegen' (present), 'abgeben' (hand in), or 'mitbringen' (bring) an excuse note.
EXAMPLE
Für das Fehlen im Unterricht braucht man eine schriftliche Entschuldigung.
For an absence from class, you need a written excuse note.
Compare with
Entschuldigung vs Begründung
justification / founding
'die Begründung' and 'die Entschuldigung' can both explain why something happened or why someone did not do something. A 'Begründung' is more neutral and fits decisions, rules, or actions. An 'Entschuldigung' often has to do with a mistake, being late, or an absence. It can also mean that someone expresses regret, or be a written note for school or work. It is easy to confuse the words when giving a reason. If you are simply explaining factually why something is the way it is, 'Begründung' fits. If it is about a mistake, an absence, or saying 'I'm sorry', 'Entschuldigung' fits.
Entschuldigung
Ich bringe morgen eine Entschuldigung mit, weil ich heute beim Unterricht gefehlt habe.
I'll bring an excuse note tomorrow because I missed class today.
Begründung
Für die neue Regel gibt die Schule eine kurze Begründung.
The school gives a short justification for the new rule.
In real life
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