A formal expression, often used ironically or critically, to introduce a contradictory or direct opinion. It means something like 'if you permit me' or 'forgive my directness.'
example
Mit Verlaub, Herr Minister, aber Ihre Darstellung der Fakten ist unvollständig.
With all due respect, Minister, your presentation of the facts is incomplete.
Usage tips
Word family
'Verlaub' belongs to the word family of 'erlauben' (to allow). It is an old form of 'Erlaubnis' (permission) and expresses that you are asking for approval or taking it for yourself.
EXAMPLE
Der Redner bat um Verlaub, eine persönliche Anmerkung machen zu dürfen.
The speaker asked permission to make a personal comment.
Fixed expression
Today, the noun 'Verlaub' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'mit Verlaub' (with all due respect). Using it as an independent noun is extremely rare and outdated.
EXAMPLE
Das ist, mit Verlaub, die schlechteste Idee, die ich je gehört habe.
That is, with all due respect, the worst idea I have ever heard.
Register and style
The expression 'mit Verlaub' (with all due respect) is formal, but often meant ironically or critically. It introduces a very direct, often contradictory opinion and is not simply a polite apology.
EXAMPLE
Mit Verlaub, aber Ihre Argumentation ist nicht überzeugend.
With all due respect, your argument is not convincing.
Word order
The expression 'mit Verlaub' (with all due respect) usually comes at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. It can also be used as a parenthetical insertion within the sentence, in which case it is enclosed by commas.
EXAMPLE
Mit Verlaub, so einfach ist die Situation nicht.
With all due respect, the situation is not that simple.
Outdated meaning
The meaning 'Erlaubnis' (permission) is outdated. You find it almost only in historical texts, in very formal bureaucracy, or in fixed expressions like 'um Verlaub bitten' (to ask permission).
EXAMPLE
Der Soldat bat seinen Vorgesetzten um Verlaub.
The soldier asked his superior for permission.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Verlaub vs Zustimmung
approval / consent
'die Zustimmung' and 'der Verlaub' can both have to do with permission or consent. 'Zustimmung' is the normal word when someone agrees with something or approves it. 'Verlaub' is rare today and very formal; as a noun, it means permission, but it is hardly used that way in everyday life. More often, you hear the fixed expression 'mit Verlaub' (with all due respect), when someone politely, or sometimes critically, disagrees. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like permission. In practice: for real consent or approval, you almost always say 'Zustimmung'.
Verlaub
Mit Verlaub, aber diese Lösung ist für unsere Kunden zu teuer.
With all due respect, this solution is too expensive for our customers.
Zustimmung
Ohne Evas Zustimmung können wir die Fotos nicht veröffentlichen.
Without Eva's consent, we cannot publish the photos.