01
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
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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 reactions when you disturb someone, bump into someone, or make a small mistake. In such situations, they mean almost the same thing. 'Entschuldigung' is much more normal in German and fits almost all everyday situations. 'Pardon' sounds somewhat more formal, older, or even a little French. Learners may confuse the words because both work as exclamations. In practical terms: with 'Entschuldigung', you are almost always right; 'Pardon' is used more in short, polite moments.
Pardon
Pardon, ich wollte Sie nicht unterbrechen.
Pardon me, I didn't mean to interrupt you.
Entschuldigung
Entschuldigung, können Sie mir bitte den Weg zum Bahnhof zeigen?
Excuse me, could you please show me the way to the train station?
In real life
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