🇩🇪 German phrases

How to say “Excuse me” in German

Entschuldigen Sie

ent-SHOOL-dee-gen zee

Literally: excuse (you, formal)formal

The polite way to get a stranger's attention or ask to pass. Short "Entschuldigung" works too; to squeeze past someone, "Darf ich mal vorbei?" (may I get by?) is natural.

Other ways to say it

GermanPronunciationMeaningWhen to use it
Entschuldigungent-SHOOL-dee-goongExcuse meNeutral, any situation
Darf ich mal vorbei?darf ikh mahl for-BYMay I get past?Passing someone in a crowd or aisle

In a sentence

Entschuldigen Sie, wo ist der Bahnhof?

ent-SHOOL-dee-gen zee, voh ist dair BAHN-hohf

Excuse me, where is the train station?

More German phrases

“Excuse me” in other languages