German for Kids
How to Say "Excuse me" in German
A polite way to get someone's attention or pass through a crowd.
In German (Deutsch)
Entschuldigen Sie
Pronounced: ent-SHOOL-dee-gen zee
What “Excuse me” means and when to use it
The listed German expression in this lesson is “Entschuldigen Sie.” Its beginner pronunciation approximation is “ent-SHOOL-dee-gen zee.” A polite way to get someone's attention or pass through a crowd. The approximation is a reading scaffold, not a replacement for the native writing or for listening to a speaker whose variety you are learning.
Use this to get attention politely, pass through a crowded space, interrupt for an important reason, or acknowledge a minor accidental contact. Languages often use different expressions for these functions, and a listed translation may fit some scenes better than others. Begin with the neutral attention-getting scene described here. Say it before the interruption, then wait for acknowledgment. For actual harm, the separately listed sorry phrase may be more appropriate than treating excuse me as a complete apology.
No pushing or forced touch belongs in the role-play. Ideas about interruption and personal space vary, so focus on waiting and observing the response.
German pronunciation workshop
German spelling is relatively consistent once a few patterns are known. Initial w sounds like English v, while initial j sounds like English y. The ch in ich is soft and forward; after back vowels it may be rougher, as in Bach. German r varies by region, so either a light tongue r or a back-of-mouth r can be understood. Umlauts ä, ö, and ü represent their own vowel qualities, not decorated versions to ignore. Give consonants a clean finish and follow the marked stress in the approximation without overdoing it.
Now apply those sound ideas specifically to “Entschuldigen Sie.” Read the native form first, then use “ent-SHOOL-dee-gen zee” to locate the broad sound sequence and emphasized syllable. Say the entire expression in one comfortable turn. Do not substitute English sounds more strongly merely because a letter looks familiar, and do not erase marks, accents, or characters when copying it.
Say the consonant frame slowly, then add the vowels while keeping every syllable connected. Check whether any written w, j, ch, or umlaut appears. Finish the last consonant crisply instead of adding an extra uh, and repeat the complete phrase three times at an easy pace.
Respectful context across Germany & Central Europe
German is pluricentric, with standard varieties and regional speech in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and elsewhere. Du is common among children and in many informal communities; Sie is the formal address for adults in contexts where distance or respect is expected. Greeting habits range from a spoken greeting to a handshake among adults. Direct wording can be courteous rather than unfriendly. Learners should avoid treating one national custom or accent as universal across all German-speaking places.
This lesson teaches one useful listed translation, not the only wording used by all German speakers. Age, relationship, region, and situation can change a speaker's choice. A good learner notices those choices, asks respectfully when appropriate, and accepts correction without arguing that a phrase list must outrank a person's own language experience.
Practice activity: scene, speak, reflect
Mark a wide pretend pathway with paper. Partner A stands safely to one side; Partner B approaches, says the translated excuse-me phrase, and waits. Partner A moves the paper marker to open the path. In another round, Partner B raises a question card, says the phrase, and waits for eye contact before an English question is read. Swap roles. Compare a respectful volume with shouting, and finish by choosing whether three English scenes call for excuse me or sorry.
Use three passes. On pass one, read “Entschuldigen Sie” while a partner checks every word or character. On pass two, look only at the scene card and retrieve the expression from memory. On pass three, use an English scene prompt and deliver the German speaking turn at a natural volume. Afterward, explain in English why the phrase fit that scene. This keeps meaning, respectful behavior, and pronunciation together instead of rewarding speed alone.
A successful attempt is understandable and considerate, not accent-free. Mark one detail you kept consistent—perhaps the stress, a long vowel, a tone direction, a final consonant, or the full word order—and choose one detail for another careful repetition. Stop before practice becomes rushed. Short, attentive rounds build a more reliable memory than saying the phrase many times without listening to yourself or your partner.
Practice dialogue
- Scene prompt (English)
- Learner A needs to ask a librarian a question while the librarian is sorting books.
- Role-play cue (English)
- Learner A waits for a pause and uses the target attention-getting phrase.
- German target speaking turn — Learner A
- Entschuldigen Sie
- Role-play reply/action (English) — Learner B
- Yes, how can I help?
- German speaking turn — Learner B
- Ja
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