German for Forgiving: Accept Apologies and Move On
Learn to respond to an apology in German with phrases like 'Schon gut' and 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen', and distinguish forgiving from apologizing.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When someone apologizes to you in German, you need to respond as the receiver. This lesson teaches you how to accept an apology, say 'It's okay, don't worry', express appreciation, and move on. You will learn the difference between apologizing yourself and forgiving someone else. We focus on standard contemporary German, with notes on regional variation where relevant.
By the end, you can…
- accept an apology in German with 'Schon gut' or 'Kein Problem'.
- express appreciation for an apology using 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen'.
- distinguish between apologizing and forgiving in German conversation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Schon gut.
It's okay. / Never mind.
shohn goot
Very common, informal to neutral. Use when you want to say 'don't worry about it'.
Kein Problem.
No problem.
kine pro-BLEM
Neutral and widely used. Works in most everyday situations.
Macht nichts.
It doesn't matter. / Never mind.
makht nikhs
Casual and forgiving. Often used when the issue is minor.
Ich weiß das zu schätzen.
I appreciate that.
ikh vice dahs tsoo SHET-sen
Formal and sincere. Use when you want to acknowledge the apology warmly.
Schwamm drüber.
Let's forget about it. / Water under the bridge.
shvahm DRUE-ber
Informal, idiomatic. Signals that you want to move on completely.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To forgive, you often use short impersonal expressions: 'Schon gut', 'Kein Problem', 'Macht nichts'. These do not change with the person you speak to. For a more personal tone, say 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen' (I appreciate that) or 'Ich nehme die Entschuldigung an' (I accept the apology). Note that 'Entschuldigung' means both 'apology' and 'excuse me', so context matters.
When to use it
Use 'Schon gut' or 'Kein Problem' for minor everyday apologies, like being late or bumping into someone. Use 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen' when someone makes a sincere apology and you want to show you value it. 'Schwamm drüber' is for closing the topic and moving on, often among friends. In formal contexts, 'Ich akzeptiere Ihre Entschuldigung' is appropriate.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Entschuldigung, dass ich zu spät bin.
Sorry that I'm late.ent-SHOOL-dee-goong, dahs ikh tsoo shpayt binSchon gut, kein Problem.
It's okay, no problem.shohn goot, kine pro-BLEMIch weiß das wirklich zu schätzen.
I really appreciate that.ikh vice dahs VEER-klikh tsoo SHET-senSchwamm drüber. Lass uns anfangen.
Let's forget about it. Let's start.shvahm DRUE-ber. lahs oons AHN-fahng-enA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, directness is valued, but politeness still matters. 'Schon gut' can sound dismissive if said abruptly; a friendly tone helps. In Austria and parts of Switzerland, 'Passt schon' is common for 'It's fine'. In formal settings, use 'Ich akzeptiere Ihre Entschuldigung' or 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen'. Avoid over-apologizing; Germans often appreciate a brief, sincere response.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Es tut mir leid' to forgive someone.
Try this instead: 'Es tut mir leid' means 'I'm sorry' and is used when you apologize. To forgive, say 'Schon gut' or 'Kein Problem'. Example: A: 'Es tut mir leid.' B: 'Schon gut.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'It's okay, don't worry' informally in German?
Show a sample answer
Schon gut.
'Schon gut' is a standard informal phrase. 'Kein Problem' or 'Macht nichts' are also correct in many contexts.
2What phrase expresses sincere appreciation for an apology?
Show a sample answer
Ich weiß das zu schätzen.
This phrase means 'I appreciate that' and is used to acknowledge an apology warmly. 'Ich nehme die Entschuldigung an' is a more formal alternative.
3Which phrase means 'Let's forget about it' and signals moving on?
Show a sample answer
Schwamm drüber.
This idiomatic expression is informal and means 'water under the bridge'. 'Schwamm drüber' is used to close the topic.
As the receiver of an apology, use short phrases like 'Schon gut' or 'Kein Problem' to forgive, and 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen' to show appreciation. Remember: forgiving is not the same as apologizing.
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