In this workshop, you will practice apologizing sincerely in German for a serious mistake. You will use recorded native phrases to take responsibility and offer to make amends. You will hear each phrase and its English meaning, then try saying it yourself. The goal is to help you respond appropriately in a difficult situation, using only the language you have been given. You can play both roles with the audio, but there is no automatic assessment, so use the self-checks to guide your practice.
Taking Responsibility
When you have made a serious mistake, it is important to apologize clearly and take responsibility. In German, you can say «Es tut mir wirklich sehr leid.» which means 'I'm really very sorry.' This expresses deep regret and is suitable for serious errors. You can also say «Das war mein Fehler.» meaning 'That was my mistake.' This directly takes responsibility. For a more formal situation, use «Ich entschuldige mich aufrichtig.» which means 'I sincerely apologize.' Practice saying each phrase aloud, paying attention to the pronunciation. These phrases show that you are not making excuses and that you understand the seriousness of the situation.
Offering to Make Amends
After admitting fault, you can offer to make up for it. The phrase «Wie kann ich das wiedergutmachen?» means 'How can I make up for it?' This shows willingness to repair the damage. In the recorded dialogue, Speaker A says «Es war keine Absicht. Ich möchte es wiedergutmachen. Ich kaufe dir eine neue Vase.» which means 'It was not intentional. I want to make up for it. I'll buy you a new vase.' Here, the speaker offers a specific action. Speaker B responds with «Das ist nett von dir. Ich schätze deine Aufrichtigkeit.» meaning 'That's nice of you. I appreciate your sincerity.' This shows that the apology and offer were received well. Practice these phrases to be ready to respond in a similar situation.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Es tut mir wirklich sehr leid.
I'm really very sorry.
es toot meer VIRK-likh zair lite
Das war mein Fehler.
That was my mistake.
dahs vahr mine FAY-ler
Ich entschuldige mich aufrichtig.
I sincerely apologize.
ikh ent-SHOOL-dee-guh mikh OWF-rikh-tikh
Wie kann ich das wiedergutmachen?
How can I make up for it?
vee kahn ikh dahs VEE-der-goot-mah-khen
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Es tut mir wirklich sehr leid. Ich habe deine Vase zerbrochen. Das war mein Fehler.
I'm really very sorry. I broke your vase. That was my mistake.Das ist wirklich ärgerlich. Wie konntest du das nur machen?
That's really annoying. How could you do that?Es war keine Absicht. Ich möchte es wiedergutmachen. Ich kaufe dir eine neue Vase.
It was not intentional. I want to make up for it. I'll buy you a new vase.Das ist nett von dir. Ich schätze deine Aufrichtigkeit.
That's nice of you. I appreciate your sincerity.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Apology Exchange
You are Speaker A. You have broken a vase that belongs to a friend. You need to apologize sincerely, take responsibility, and offer to make amends.
Your task: Listen to the recorded lines for Speaker A and repeat them aloud. Then, imagine you are speaking to your friend. Say the lines in order: first apologize, then admit it was your fault, then offer to make up for it. Use the exact phrases from the recording.
Understanding the Reply
You have just apologized to a friend for breaking their vase. Your friend responds with: «Das ist wirklich ärgerlich. Wie konntest du das nur machen?»
Your task: What does your friend's reply mean? Choose the correct English meaning from the options below. Then, say your friend's line aloud to practice the pronunciation. Option A: 'That's really annoying. How could you do that?' Option B: 'That's nice von dir. I appreciate your sincerity.' Option C: 'I'm really very sorry. I broke your vase.'
Recall and Role-Play
You are in a similar situation: you have made a serious mistake and need to apologize. You will play both roles: first the person apologizing, then the person responding.
Your task: Without looking at the phrases, try to recall and say aloud: 1) a sincere apology, 2) a phrase taking responsibility, 3) an offer to make amends. Then, switch roles and respond as the other person, using a phrase that shows you appreciate the sincerity. Use only the phrases you have learned.
Common questions
When should I use «Es tut mir wirklich sehr leid.» versus «Ich entschuldige mich aufrichtig.»?
«Es tut mir wirklich sehr leid.» means 'I'm really very sorry' and is suitable for both formal and informal situations, especially for serious errors. «Ich entschuldige mich aufrichtig.» means 'I sincerely apologize' and is more formal, often used in writing or official settings. Both express deep regret, but the second is more formal.
What does «Wie kann ich das wiedergutmachen?» mean and when do I use it?
«Wie kann ich das wiedergutmachen?» means 'How can I make up for it?' You use it after admitting fault to show that you are willing to repair the damage. It is a way to offer to make amends and ask what you can do to fix the situation.
Sources and further reading
- german: apologize for mistakeChecked September 2026
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