entschuldigt

Entschuldigt is the past participle form of the German verb entschuldigen, meaning to apologize or to excuse someone from blame or obligation. The word is used in perfect tenses with haben (ich habe mich entschuldigt) and can also function as an adjective in some contexts, meaning “excused” or “pardoned.”

Etymology and meaning: entschuldigen derives from ent- (a prefix meaning removal) and schuld (guilt, debt). The sense is to remove guilt or to excuse someone from responsibility or an obligation. In everyday language, the primary use is to express apologizing to another person.

Usage and forms:

- Verbal usage: ich entschuldige mich, du entschuldigst dich, er/sie/es entschuldigt sich, wir entschuldigen uns, ihr entschuldigt euch, sie entschuldigen sich; participle: entschuldigt.

- Perfect tense: Ich habe mich entschuldigt.

- Common phrases: Entschuldigen Sie bitte (formal), Entschuldige bitte (informal singular), Entschuldigt bitte (informal plural).

- Nominal form: Entschuldigung means “apology” or “excuse” as a noun; Verzeihung is another common word for “sorry” or “pardon.”

Context and nuances: The term appears in personal apologies, customer-service language, and formal notes. In legal or administrative contexts, entities may be described as entschuldigt (excused) from attendance or liability, though more precise terms are often used. The closest everyday alternatives are Entschuldigung, Es tut mir leid, or bitte um Entschuldigung.

See also: Entschuldigung, Verzeihung, um Entschuldigung bitten.