verontschuldiging

Verontschuldiging is a noun in Dutch that refers to an expression of apology or an act of excusing oneself for a fault, offense, or inconvenience. It can denote the act of apologizing or the statement itself. The related verb is verontschuldigen, meaning to apologize or to excuse. The noun is commonly used in formal and informal contexts; typical phrases include "mijn verontschuldiging" (my apology) and "mijn oprechte verontschuldigingen" (my sincere apologies). In everyday language, "sorry" and "excuses" are also widely used; "verontschuldigingen" is more formal or written.

Etymology: The term combines schuld (guilt) with the Dutch prefixes ont- and ver-, reflecting the idea of removing guilt or acknowledging fault. The root verb verontschuldigen historically means to absolve someone of guilt or to excuse them; in practice, it is used to express remorse for an action or to request pardon.

Usage: In Dutch etiquette, offering a verontschuldiging is a means of maintaining social harmony after a mistake or delay, such as "Onze verontschuldigingen voor het ongemak" or "Het spijt me voor het gebrek aan aandacht." It can be used in business, media, and interpersonal communication. Distinctions between "verontschuldiging" and "excuses" exist: "verontschuldiging" emphasizes the act of apologizing, while "excuses" can also be used to justify or explain a fault, though this nuance varies by context.

See also: Apology, Excuse, Vergeving, Excuses.