verontschuldigd

Verontschuldigd is a Dutch past participle derived from the verb verontschuldigen, meaning to apologize or to excuse. It can function as a verb form in perfect tenses (for example, ik heb me verontschuldigd – I have apologized) and as an adjective in certain formal contexts (for example, men is verontschuldigd, you are excused).

Usage and nuance: The phrase zich verontschuldigen is used when someone apologizes on their own behalf. In everyday speech, people typically say sorry or use mijn excuses. Verontschuldigd is common in more formal writing and speech, including polite or official contexts. The related noun verontschuldiging means an apology, and verontschuldigingen is its plural form, used in phrases such as Mijn verontschuldigingen voor het ongemak (My apologies for the inconvenience).

Examples of common constructions:

- Ik heb me verontschuldigd. (I have apologized.)

- Mijn verontschuldigingen voor het vertraagde antwoord. (My apologies for the delayed response.)

- U bent verontschuldigd. (You are excused.) — a formal, polite expression in certain contexts.

Etymology and related terms: Verontschuldigd comes from verontschuldigen, which combines the prefix ver- with ontschuldigen (to absolve of guilt, to excuse). The word is used in both the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking regions. In translation, it can correspond to the English apologized or excused, depending on context.

Overall, verontschuldigd denotes the action or result of apologizing or being excused and is most common in formal or written Dutch, while simpler expressions like excuses or sorry are more common in everyday talk.