01
schade
too bad
Expresses regret or disappointment about a circumstance; regrettable.
example
Es ist schade, dass du morgen nicht zur Party kommen kannst.
It's too bad that you can't come to the party tomorrow.
schade
too bad
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'schade' (too bad) is related to the noun 'der Schaden' (damage). When something is 'schade' (too bad), you feel it as a small loss or disappointment.
EXAMPLE
Der Sturm hat großen Schaden am Haus verursacht.
The storm caused major damage to the house.
Only predicative
In the meaning of 'bedauerlich' (regrettable), 'schade' (too bad) is used almost exclusively predicatively (after the noun) or as a standalone exclamation. You cannot place it before a noun and decline it.
EXAMPLE
Schade, dass das Wetter so schlecht ist.
Too bad that the weather is so bad.
Use with 'um'
To express what you feel regret about, 'schade' (too bad) is often combined with the preposition 'um' + accusative. This emphasizes that something was wasted.
EXAMPLE
Das Essen war nicht lecker. Schade um das Geld!
The food wasn't tasty. What a waste of money!
Fixed expression
The expression 'sich für etwas zu schade sein' (to think oneself too good for something) has a fixed structure. It requires a reflexive pronoun (e.g. 'sich' (oneself), 'mir' (myself), 'dir' (yourself)) and the preposition 'für' (for) with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Manche Leute sind sich für einfache Arbeiten zu schade.
Some people think they are too good for simple work.
Compare with
schade vs leider
unfortunately
'leider' and 'schade' both express regret or disappointment. 'leider' appears within a sentence and comments on a fact: something is the case, even though you do not want it to be. 'schade' is more of a separate reaction to a situation and often appears with 'Es ist schade, dass ...' (It's too bad that ...) or on its own as an exclamation. Learners may confuse them because both fit with bad news. Remember: 'leider' often belongs directly in the sentence; 'schade' sounds more like a comment or feeling about it.
schade
Es ist schade, dass du nach der Arbeit nicht mitkommen kannst.
It's too bad that you can't come along after work.
leider
Sie hat leider keine Zeit für das Treffen.
Unfortunately, she doesn't have time for the meeting.
In real life
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