verb
to apologize, to excuse
A1
Entschuldigen means to apologize or to excuse. Used reflexively (sich entschuldigen = to apologize) or transitively (jemanden entschuldigen = to excuse someone). Auxiliary: haben. Regular weak verb; participle entschuldigt. No special preposition. Imperative forms exist (entschuldige, entschuldigen Sie). Usage notes.
Examples
Er wollte sich entschuldigen, weil er zu spät kam.
He wanted to apologize because he arrived late.
Sie hat sich bei mir entschuldigt.
She apologized to me.
Kannst du mich bitte entschuldigen? Ich muss gehen.
Can you excuse me please? I have to go.
Details
Mnemonics
picture someone bowing and saying 'Entschuldigung' with a little speech bubble 'sorry'.
sounds a bit like 'in-school-dee-gun' — imagine someone in school saying sorry.