German Phrase
Sorry, dass ich dich störe.
Meaning
The speaker apologizes for interrupting or bothering the listener. It is a polite, informal way to acknowledge that you might be causing inconvenience.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to interrupt someone, ask a quick question, or enter a conversation that you suspect may be inconvenient for the other person. It works well in casual settings among friends, classmates, or coworkers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sorry,dassichdichstöre.
Sorry (English loanword)
In German, 'Sorry' is an informal loanword from English used to apologize casually.
dass (subordinating conjunction)
Introduces a subordinate clause; the verb moves to the end of the clause.
ich (personal pronoun)
First‑person singular nominative, the subject of the subordinate clause.
dich (personal pronoun)
Second‑person singular accusative, the object of the verb 'stören'.
störe (verb, present, 1st person singular)
Present tense of 'stören' (to disturb). In a dass‑clause the verb appears at the end.
Punctuation
A comma separates the main clause ('Sorry') from the subordinate clause.
🗨In Conversation
Sorry, dass ich dich störe, aber hast du kurz Zeit für eine Frage?
Sorry, that I'm bothering you, but do you have a moment for a quick question?
Kein Problem, worum geht's?
No problem, what's it about?
✕Common Mistakes
Entschuldigung, dass ich dich störe.
While grammatically correct, 'Entschuldigung' sounds more formal; pairing it with the informal 'Sorry' creates a register clash.
Sorry, weil ich dich störe.
'Weil' is a causal conjunction and would require the verb in second position, not at the end.
Sorry, dass ich dich stören.
The infinitive 'stören' cannot be used here; the verb must be conjugated to match the subject.
↔Alternatives
Entschuldige, dass ich dich störe.
Excuse me for disturbing you.
Verzeih mir, dass ich dich störe.
Forgive me for bothering you.
Ich wollte dich nicht stören.
I didn't want to disturb you.
Cultural Tip
In German, using 'Sorry' is considered informal and is best reserved for peers or people you know well. In more formal contexts, opt for 'Entschuldigen Sie' or 'Verzeihen Sie bitte'. Also, Germans appreciate a clear reason for the interruption, so follow the apology with a brief explanation.