German for Beginners: Accepting an Apology Gracefully
Learn to respond to 'Entschuldigung' and 'Es tut mir leid' in German with natural phrases like 'Kein Problem' and 'Macht nichts', including informal and formal register.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When someone apologizes in German, your reply matters. This lesson teaches you how to accept an apology politely and naturally, using phrases like 'Kein Problem' (No problem) and 'Macht nichts' (It doesn't matter). You will learn which phrases fit casual situations with friends and which suit formal situations with strangers or officials. The focus is on your role as the listener, not on making apologies yourself.
By the end, you can…
- accept an apology in German using at least three different phrases.
- choose between informal and formal responses depending on who is speaking.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Kein Problem.
No problem.
kine pro-BLEHM
Very common and neutral. Works with friends, colleagues, and most everyday situations.
Macht nichts.
It doesn't matter. / No worries.
makht nikh ts
Friendly and relaxed. Often used when the mistake was small, like being a few minutes late.
Schon okay.
It's okay. / It's fine.
shohn oh-KEH
Informal and casual. Common among younger speakers and friends.
Das ist nicht so schlimm.
That's not so bad.
das ist nikht zoh shlim
Softens the situation. Useful when someone seems worried about a minor mistake.
Keine Ursache.
No need to apologize. / Don't mention it.
KY-nuh OOR-zah-khuh
Slightly more formal. Also used to reply to 'Danke' (thanks), so it fits polite contexts.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Many German responses to an apology are short fixed phrases. You can often add 'schon' or 'gar' for emphasis: 'Das ist schon okay' (It's okay) or 'Das macht gar nichts' (It really doesn't matter). To be extra reassuring, add 'Wirklich' (Really): 'Kein Problem, wirklich.' These small additions make your reply sound warmer and more natural.
When to use it
Use informal phrases like 'Kein Problem' and 'Schon okay' with friends, family, and classmates. Use 'Keine Ursache' or 'Das ist wirklich nicht schlimm' in more formal settings, such as with a teacher, a boss, or a stranger. If someone apologizes for something serious, a simple 'Kein Problem' may sound too casual; instead say 'Das ist okay' or 'Ich verstehe das' (I understand).
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, das ikh tsoo shpayt binKein Problem. Wir haben gerade erst angefangen.
No problem. We've only just started.kine pro-BLEHM. veer HAH-ben guh-RAH-duh erst AN-guh-fang-enEs tut mir wirklich leid.
I'm really sorry.es toot meer VIRK-likh liteMacht nichts. Setz dich einfach.
It doesn't matter. Just sit down.makht nikh ts. zets dikh INE-fakhA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, a brief, calm reply is usually preferred over a long, emotional one. 'Kein Problem' is standard in both Germany and Austria, while 'Passt schon' is especially common in Austria and southern Germany. In formal contexts, a short 'Keine Ursache' or 'Das ist nicht schlimm' sounds respectful without being overly effusive.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Bitte' as a reply to an apology, because English speakers often translate 'You're welcome' directly.
Try this instead: 'Bitte' is a reply to 'Danke' (thank you), not usually to an apology. For an apology, say 'Kein Problem' or 'Macht nichts'. Example: 'Entschuldigung!' — 'Kein Problem.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1A friend says 'Sorry, I'm late.' Which informal German reply fits best?
Show a sample answer
Kein Problem.
'Kein Problem' is neutral and friendly, perfect for friends. 'Macht nichts' or 'Schon okay' would also be correct here.
2Your boss apologizes for a scheduling mistake. Which reply is more appropriate?
Show a sample answer
Keine Ursache.
'Keine Ursache' is more formal and respectful. 'Kein Problem' could work too, but 'Keine Ursache' better matches a professional tone.
3How would you say 'It really doesn't matter' in German?
Show a sample answer
Das macht gar nichts.
Adding 'gar' strengthens 'nichts'. 'Das macht wirklich nichts' is also correct and slightly softer.
Reply to an apology with a short, calm phrase: 'Kein Problem' for everyday use, 'Keine Ursache' for formal situations, and 'Macht nichts' when the mistake is minor.
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