adverb
unfortunately
A1
Leider means 'unfortunately' and expresses regret or bad luck. It is a modal adverb, not reflexive and not inflected. Commonly appears sentence-initial or before verbs/clauses to soften bad news. No auxiliary required. Frequently used in formal and informal speech to signal displeasure or apology.
Examples
Leider kann ich heute nicht kommen.
Unfortunately, I can't come today.
Er wollte teilnehmen, aber leider konnte er nicht kommen, weil er krank war.
He wanted to participate, but unfortunately he could not come because he was ill.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine shaking your head sadly — that's 'leider'.
Think 'leider' ~ 'leider' sounding like 'lieder' but remember it's regretful.
Notes
'Leider' expresses regret or bad luck; common sentence starter.