German for Beginners: Polite Excuses to End a Conversation or Leave a Gathering
Learn simple German phrases to politely end a conversation or leave a gathering, giving a reason like an early meeting tomorrow.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
Sometimes you need to end a conversation or leave a party early, but you want to be polite. In German, a short excuse with a reason works well. This lesson teaches you beginner-friendly phrases to say you have to go, using reasons like an early meeting, work, or an appointment. You will learn to combine 'Ich muss...' (I have to...) with a reason, and add polite words like 'leider' (unfortunately) and 'es tut mir leid' (I'm sorry). The focus is on giving a reason, not just saying goodbye. By the end, you can leave a gathering politely in German.
By the end, you can…
- give a simple reason to end a conversation or leave a gathering in German.
- use polite phrases like 'leider' and 'es tut mir leid' when making an excuse.
- understand and respond to someone who says they have to leave.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Ich muss leider gehen.
Unfortunately, I have to go.
ikh moos LY-der GAY-en
A general polite way to announce you are leaving. 'Leider' softens the statement.
Ich habe morgen ein frühes Meeting.
I have an early meeting tomorrow.
ikh HAH-buh MOR-gen ine FRUE-hes MEE-ting
Use this to give a specific reason. 'Meeting' is common in business German; 'Besprechung' is more formal.
Es tut mir leid, aber ich muss los.
I'm sorry, but I have to go.
es toot meer lite, AH-ber ikh moos lohs
A polite apology plus a reason. 'Los' means 'going' or 'off' in this context.
Ich muss noch arbeiten.
I still have to work.
ikh moos nokh AR-bai-ten
A simple reason if you need to leave to do work.
Wir sehen uns bald!
See you soon!
veer ZAY-en uns bahlt
A friendly closing after you have given your excuse.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To make a polite excuse, use 'Ich muss...' (I have to...) + reason. For example: 'Ich muss leider gehen.' (Unfortunately, I have to go.) or 'Ich muss morgen früh aufstehen.' (I have to get up early tomorrow.) Add 'leider' to show it is not your choice. You can also say 'Es tut mir leid, aber...' (I'm sorry, but...) before the reason. For example: 'Es tut mir leid, aber ich habe noch einen Termin.' (I'm sorry, but I still have an appointment.)
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want to leave a party, end a phone call, or stop a conversation politely. They work in both casual and formal situations. For a casual gathering, 'Ich muss los' is fine. For a formal event, 'Ich muss leider gehen' or 'Ich habe noch einen Termin' is better. Always add a reason to sound polite. If you are leaving a group, you can say 'Ich muss leider gehen' to everyone. If you are talking to one person, you can add 'Es tut mir leid' to be extra polite.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Es tut mir leid, aber ich muss leider gehen.
I'm sorry, but unfortunately I have to go.es toot meer lite, AH-ber ikh moos LY-der GAY-enOh, schade! Warum denn?
Oh, too bad! Why?oh, SHAH-duh! vah-ROOM denIch habe morgen ein frühes Meeting.
I have an early meeting tomorrow.ikh HAH-buh MOR-gen ine FRUE-hes MEE-tingVerstehe. Dann bis bald!
I understand. Then see you soon!fer-SHTAY-uh. dahn bis bahltA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, punctuality and planning are valued, so giving a concrete reason like an early meeting is seen as responsible. However, over-apologizing can seem insincere. A brief 'Es tut mir leid' is enough. In casual settings, a simple 'Ich muss los' is fine. In formal settings, use 'Ich muss leider gehen' and perhaps a handshake. Regional differences are minor; in Austria and Switzerland, 'Grüß Gott' or 'Grüezi' may be used when greeting, but excuses are similar.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Ich habe ein Meeting morgen früh' without 'leider' or an apology, which can sound abrupt.
Try this instead: Add 'leider' or an apology to soften it: 'Ich habe leider morgen früh ein Meeting.' or 'Es tut mir leid, aber ich habe morgen früh ein Meeting.' This shows politeness.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'Unfortunately, I have to go' in German?
Show a sample answer
Ich muss leider gehen.
This uses 'muss' (have to) + 'leider' (unfortunately) + 'gehen' (go). It is a standard polite excuse.
2What is a polite way to give a reason for leaving: 'I have an early meeting tomorrow'?
Show a sample answer
Ich habe morgen ein frühes Meeting.
This directly states the reason. You can also say 'Ich habe morgen früh ein Meeting.' Both are correct.
3How would you apologize and say you have to leave?
Show a sample answer
Es tut mir leid, aber ich muss los.
This combines an apology ('Es tut mir leid') with 'aber' (but) and 'ich muss los' (I have to go). Other variations like 'Es tut mir leid, aber ich muss gehen' are also fine.
To leave politely in German, use 'Ich muss leider gehen' plus a simple reason like 'Ich habe morgen ein frühes Meeting.' Add 'Es tut mir leid' for extra politeness.
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