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German Phrase

Tut mir leid, ich kann nicht. Mein Auto ist in der Werkstatt.

/tuːt miːɐ̯ laɪt, ɪç kan nɪçt. maɪ̯n ˈaʊ̯toː ɪst ɪn deːɐ̯ ˈvɛʁkʃtat/
Meaning"I’m sorry, I can’t. My car is in the workshop."
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Meaning

The speaker apologizes for being unable to do something and explains the reason: the car is currently being repaired in a workshop. The phrase combines a polite apology with a brief explanation of the obstacle.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you need to decline an invitation, a meeting, or any request because your car is unavailable. It works in both informal and semi‑formal contexts, especially when speaking with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Tutmirleid,ichkannnicht.MeinAutoistinderWerkstatt.

1

Tut mir leid

A fixed expression meaning “I’m sorry”. The verb “tun” is used with the dative pronoun “mir” and the noun “Leid”.

2

Modalverb können

“kann” is the 1st‑person singular present of “können”. It is followed directly by the infinitive (here omitted because the verb is negated).

3

Negation nicht

“nicht” negates the whole clause and is placed after the modal verb.

4

Präposition in + Dativ

“in der Werkstatt” uses the dative case because the preposition “in” indicates location (static).

5

Der Werkstatt

A feminine noun (die Werkstatt) meaning “workshop” or “repair shop”.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kannst du heute zum Team‑Meeting kommen?

Can you come to the team meeting today?

Tut mir leid, ich kann nicht. Mein Auto ist in der Werkstatt.

I’m sorry, I can’t. My car is in the workshop.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Mir tut leid, ich kann nicht.

    The correct order is “Tut mir leid”; swapping the words changes the structure and sounds unnatural.

  • Tut mir leid, ich kann nicht.

    If you omit the verb “kommen” after “kann nicht”, the sentence feels incomplete; add the activity you can’t do.

  • Mein Auto ist in die Werkstatt.

    When talking about location (static), use dative “in der Werkstatt”, not accusative “in die Werkstatt”.

↔Alternatives

  • Entschuldigung, ich schaffe es nicht. Mein Auto ist in der Werkstatt.

    Sorry, I can’t make it. My car is in the workshop.

  • Leider kann ich nicht kommen, mein Auto ist in der Werkstatt.

    Unfortunately I can’t come, my car is in the workshop.

  • Es tut mir leid, aber ich habe kein fahrbares Auto – es ist in der Werkstatt.

    I’m sorry, but I don’t have a drivable car – it’s in the workshop.

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Cultural Tip

In German, “Tut mir leid” is the most common way to express a personal apology, while “Entschuldigung” is slightly more formal and can also be used to get someone’s attention. When mentioning a car problem, it’s polite to give a brief reason, as done here, rather than just saying “Ich kann nicht”. Also note that the preposition “in” with a location takes the dative case (der Werkstatt), not the accusative.