how to say sorry in swiss german
In Swiss German, which varies significantly across different regions, you can express "sorry" in several ways, depending on the context and the specific dialect. Here are a few common expressions that can be understood in many parts of the German-speaking Switzerland:
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Entschuldigung – This is a formal way of saying sorry and is widely understood. It’s more like "excuse me" but can be used in contexts where you’re apologizing.
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Es tuet mir leid – This translates directly to "it does me harm" but means "I’m sorry." It’s a polite way to express regret.
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Ich entschuldige mich – Meaning "I apologize," this is a formal and direct way to express apology.
- Sorry – In informal settings, especially among younger people or those familiar with English, "sorry" is commonly used and understood.
For specific dialects:
- In Zurich, you might hear Entschuldigung or Es tuet mir leid.
- In Bern, Es tuet mir leid is also common, and you might hear Ich binscholding, which is more like "I am to blame."
- In Basel, Entschuldigung and Es tuet mir leid are widely used.
Keep in mind that Swiss German is highly varied, and the expressions above are a more standardized form that can be understood across the German-speaking regions. However, the actual usage can vary significantly depending on the local dialect.
