Pardon
pardon
A polite formula used to apologize for a small inconvenience or mistake. It is used as an exclamation like 'excuse me'.
EXAMPLE
Pardon, ich habe Sie nicht gesehen.
Pardon me, I didn't see you.
der Pardon
pardon / mercy
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Meanings
der Pardon
mercy
Elevated or outdated for the granting of forgiveness or mercy, especially in military or legal contexts. Often in the expression 'keinen Pardon geben' (to show no mercy).
EXAMPLE
Der General war bekannt dafür, dass er seinen Feinden keinen Pardon gab.
The general was known for showing his enemies no mercy.
Usage tips
Use as an exclamation
In the meaning 'Entschuldigung' (excuse me/sorry), 'Pardon' is used as a standalone exclamation, usually at the beginning of a sentence and followed by a comma. It is a direct and polite way to briefly get someone's attention or apologize for a small mistake.
EXAMPLE
Pardon, könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?
Pardon me, could you please repeat that?
Register and style
Using 'Pardon' as an apology often sounds somewhat more formal or slightly old-fashioned. It comes from French and is perceived in German as a polite but not everyday gesture.
EXAMPLE
Pardon, ich wollte Sie nicht stören.
Pardon me, I didn't mean to disturb you.
Fixed expression
In the meaning 'Gnade' (mercy) or 'Vergebung' (forgiveness), the word is used almost exclusively in the fixed expressions 'keinen Pardon geben' (to show no mercy) or 'keinen Pardon kennen' (to know no mercy). This means that someone acts relentlessly and without pity.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer kennt bei Disziplinlosigkeit keinen Pardon.
The coach shows no mercy when it comes to lack of discipline.
Compare with
Pardon vs Entschuldigung
apology / excuse
Entschuldigung and Pardon can both be used as polite exclamations after a minor inconvenience. Entschuldigung is neutral and commonly used today, while Pardon usually sounds formal or old-fashioned. In a normal everyday situation, Entschuldigung is therefore usually the more appropriate choice.
Pardon
Nach dem kleinen Stoß sagte sie etwas altmodisch: „Pardon!“
After the minor bump, she said, somewhat old-fashionedly, “Pardon!”
Entschuldigung
Nach dem kleinen Stoß sagte sie sofort: „Entschuldigung!“
After the minor bump, she immediately said, “Sorry!”
In real life
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