German for Granting Forgiveness: "Ich verzeihe dir" and "Schwamm drüber"
Learn to grant forgiveness in German with formal phrases like "Ich verzeihe dir" and informal ones like "Schwamm drüber", plus how to rebuild trust.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Granting forgiveness in German is not the same as accepting an apology. When you accept an apology, you acknowledge the other person's remorse; when you grant forgiveness, you actively release them from blame. This lesson teaches you precise phrases for both formal and informal situations, from the solemn "Ich verzeihe dir" to the casual "Schwamm drüber". You'll also learn how to talk about rebuilding trust, using structures like "Vertrauen aufbauen" and "wieder zueinanderfinden". By the end, you'll be able to respond to an apology with the right level of formality and discuss the steps needed to move forward.
By the end, you can…
- grant forgiveness in German using formal and informal expressions.
- distinguish between accepting an apology and granting forgiveness.
- discuss rebuilding trust with phrases like "Vertrauen aufbauen" and "wieder zueinanderfinden".
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Ich verzeihe dir.
I forgive you.
ikh fair-TSY-uh deer
Formal and heartfelt; used when you want to explicitly grant forgiveness, often in serious conversations. The verb "verzeihen" is stronger than "entschuldigen".
Ich vergebe dir.
I forgive you.
ikh fair-GAY-buh deer
Similar to "verzeihen", but slightly more emotional and personal. Often used in close relationships.
Schwamm drüber.
Let's forget about it. / Water under the bridge.
shvahm DRUE-ber
Informal, colloquial. Literally "sponge over it". Used to say "let's move past this" without dwelling on it. Common in casual settings.
Lass uns das hinter uns lassen.
Let's move past this.
lahs uns dahs HIN-ter uns LAH-sen
Neutral to slightly formal. Focuses on leaving the issue behind and moving forward together.
Ich möchte, dass wir wieder Vertrauen aufbauen.
I would like us to rebuild trust.
ikh MERKH-tuh dahs veer VEE-der fair-TROW-en OWF-bow-en
Formal and constructive. Used when you want to explicitly discuss rebuilding trust after a breach.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To grant forgiveness, use "Ich verzeihe dir" or "Ich vergebe dir". Both take the dative pronoun "dir" (you). For a more mutual approach, say "Lass uns das hinter uns lassen" (Let's leave that behind us). To discuss rebuilding trust, use "Vertrauen aufbauen" (to build up trust) or "wieder zueinanderfinden" (to find our way back to each other). Example: "Ich verzeihe dir, aber wir müssen langsam wieder Vertrauen aufbauen."
When to use it
Use "Ich verzeihe dir" in serious, formal, or deeply personal moments. "Schwamm drüber" is for minor issues among friends or colleagues. "Lass uns das hinter uns lassen" works in both personal and professional contexts when you want to move forward without assigning blame. When rebuilding trust, be explicit: "Wir müssen wieder Vertrauen aufbauen" is appropriate in relationships or teamwork. Avoid using "Ich verzeihe dir" lightly; it carries weight.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Es tut mir wirklich leid, dass ich dein Vertrauen missbraucht habe.
I'm really sorry that I betrayed your trust.es toot meer VIRK-likh lite, dahs ikh dine fair-TROW-en mis-BROW-kht HAH-buhIch verzeihe dir. Aber wir müssen daran arbeiten, wieder Vertrauen aufzubauen.
I forgive you. But we need to work on rebuilding trust.ikh fair-TSY-uh deer. AH-ber veer MUES-en dah-RAN AR-bite-en, VEE-der fair-TROW-en OWF-tsow-enDanke. Lass uns das hinter uns lassen und neu anfangen.
Thank you. Let's leave that behind us and start anew.DAHN-kuh. lahs uns dahs HIN-ter uns LAH-sen unt noy AHN-fang-enJa, Schwamm drüber. Aber ich brauche Zeit, um wieder zu vertrauen.
Yes, let's forget it. But I need time to trust again.yah, shvahm DRUE-ber. AH-ber ikh BROW-khuh tsite, um VEE-der tsoo fair-TROW-enA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking cultures, directness is valued, but forgiveness can still be formal. "Ich verzeihe dir" is weighty and often reserved for serious matters. "Schwamm drüber" is casual and can seem dismissive if used for a deep hurt. In professional settings, "Lass uns das hinter uns lassen" is neutral and constructive. Regional variants: In Austria, "Schwamm drüber" is common; in Switzerland, you might hear "Schwamm drüber" as well, but "verzeihen" is standard everywhere.
One thing to watch for
Using "Ich entschuldige dich" to mean "I forgive you".
Try this instead: "Entschuldigen" means to apologize or excuse, not to forgive. "Ich entschuldige dich" means "I excuse you", which is not the same. To forgive, say "Ich verzeihe dir" or "Ich vergebe dir". Example: "Ich verzeihe dir" is correct; "Ich entschuldige dich" is wrong.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you formally grant forgiveness to a colleague who apologizes for a mistake?
Show a sample answer
Ich verzeihe dir.
"Ich verzeihe dir" is formal and direct. In a professional context, you could also say "Ich akzeptiere deine Entschuldigung", but that means accepting the apology, not granting forgiveness. Both are valid depending on intent.
2What informal phrase means "let's move past this" and is often used among friends?
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Schwamm drüber.
"Schwamm drüber" is colloquial and means "let's forget about it". It's appropriate for minor issues. For more serious matters, "Lass uns das hinter uns lassen" is better.
3Translate: "I forgive you, but we need to rebuild trust."
Show a sample answer
Ich verzeihe dir, aber wir müssen wieder Vertrauen aufbauen.
This uses "verzeihen" for forgiveness and "Vertrauen aufbauen" for rebuilding trust. You could also say "Ich vergebe dir" for a more emotional tone.
Granting forgiveness in German requires choosing between formal "Ich verzeihe dir" and informal "Schwamm drüber". To rebuild trust, use "Vertrauen aufbauen" and "wieder zueinanderfinden". Always match the phrase to the seriousness of the situation.
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