German Phrase
Sorry, ich bin schon voll ausgelastet.
Meaning
The speaker apologizes and explains that their agenda is already completely full, so they cannot take on any additional tasks or appointments.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to decline a request, a meeting invitation, or an extra workload because your schedule is already packed. It works well in informal or semi‑formal settings, such as among colleagues, friends, or casual business contacts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sorry,ichbinschonvollausgelastet.
Sorry (loanword)
‘Sorry’ is an informal English loanword used in German to apologize quickly; in formal contexts use ‘Entschuldigung’.
ich bin (present of sein)
‘ich bin’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘sein’ (to be) and introduces a state or condition.
schon (already)
‘schon’ signals that something has happened earlier than expected, often translated as ‘already’.
voll (intensifier)
‘voll’ intensifies the following adjective, similar to ‘completely’ or ‘totally’ in English.
ausgelastet (past participle used as adjective)
‘ausgelastet’ comes from ‘auslasten’ (to fill up, to book fully) and describes a schedule that is completely occupied.
🗨In Conversation
Hättest du Zeit, mir bei dem Projekt zu helfen?
Would you have time to help me with the project?
Sorry, ich bin schon voll ausgelastet.
Sorry, I'm already fully booked.
✕Common Mistakes
Sorry, ich bin schon voll ausgeliefert.
‘ausgeliefert’ means ‘delivered’ or ‘handed over’, not ‘fully booked’. The correct word is ‘ausgelastet’.
Sorry, ich bin voll ausgelastet.
Leaving out ‘schon’ removes the nuance that you’re already busy, not just busy in general.
Sorry ich bin schon voll ausgelastet.
Missing the comma after ‘Sorry’ makes the sentence look less polished; punctuation is important in written German.
↔Alternatives
Entschuldigung, ich habe bereits alle Termine.
Excuse me, I already have all my appointments.
Leider bin ich momentan komplett ausgebucht.
Unfortunately, I’m currently completely booked.
Ich kann gerade nichts dazu sagen, weil mein Kalender voll ist.
I can’t add anything right now because my calendar is full.
Cultural Tip
In German business culture, it’s common to be direct about capacity limits, but the level of formality matters. ‘Sorry’ is acceptable in casual or semi‑formal contexts, while ‘Entschuldigung’ or ‘Leider’ is preferred in formal emails or when speaking with senior colleagues. Also, mentioning that you are ‘voll ausgelastet’ signals professionalism – you’re not refusing out of disinterest, but because your workload is genuinely full.