Vocabulary
leider
/ˈlaɪ̯dɐ/· adverb
unfortunately
The softest way to say no: Ich kann leider nicht. Almost every polite refusal has a leider in it.
CEFR A1Frequency ●●●●●
Your memory
New
Learning
Familiar
Strong
Mastered
One word, many lives
Tap a meaning. Real German isn't a dictionary translation.
leider
unfortunately, I'm afraid
Ich kann leider nicht kommen.
Unfortunately I can't come.
Word family
leiderdas Leidsuffering, sorrowleidtunto be sorry (Es tut mir leid.)leidento suffer
Common combinations
- leider nichtunfortunately not
- leider jasadly, yes
- Ich habe leider keine Zeit.Unfortunately I don't have time.
Similar & opposite
↔ Opposites
zum Glückglücklicherweise
Common learner mistakes
- Leider ich habe keine Zeit.Leider habe ich keine Zeit.Leider in position 1 → the verb comes next.
Real examples
- Ich kann am Samstag leider nicht.Unfortunately I can't make it on Saturday.
- Leider habe ich keine Zeit.Unfortunately I don't have time.
- Das Museum ist leider geschlossen.The museum is closed, I'm afraid.
