Polite Ways to Say "Excuse Me" in German
The most common polite expression is Entschuldigung. To soften it, add bitte or use Entschuldigen Sie bitte; for interruptions, Entschuldigen Sie die Störung is very natural.
The most common way
Excuse me / sorry — used to get someone's attention, apologize lightly, or ask to pass.
How to say it: Stress the second syllable, 'schul' (ent-SCHUL-di-gung); keep the final '-gung' light, not like English 'goong'.
Other ways to say it
- formal
Excuse me, please — the full verb form, noticeably more formal and softer than bare Entschuldigung.
When to use it: Use it with strangers, older people, officials, or customers when you want to sound respectful.
- apologetic
Pardon / excuse me — short and slightly softer, a little formal or old-fashioned.
When to use it: Use it to gently get attention or squeeze past, especially among adults you do not know.
- professional
Sorry to disturb you — explicitly acknowledges that you are interrupting.
When to use it: Use it when interrupting a meeting, a phone call, or someone who is clearly busy at work.
- friendly
?
May I interrupt briefly? — a polite permission-asking opener rather than a direct 'excuse me'.
When to use it: Use it with a colleague, neighbor, or someone who looks busy but approachable.
- tentative
, ?
Excuse me, may I ask you something briefly? — a gentle opener for asking a stranger a question.
When to use it: Use it when approaching a stranger for directions or information and you want to sound especially considerate.
In a conversation
- A
, ?
Excuse me, may I interrupt briefly?
- B
, . ?
Yes, of course. What can I do for you?
- A
, ?
Could you tell me where the train station is?
- B
, .
Sure, just around the corner.
Common mistakes
Entschuldigung Sie→ Entschuldigen SieEntschuldigung is a noun, so it cannot take 'Sie'; the polite verb form is Entschuldigen Sie.