der / das  Pardon

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/paʁˈdɔn/

🤔 What exactly does 'Pardon' mean?

The word Pardon comes from French and primarily means Verzeihung (forgiveness), Entschuldigung (apology), or Nachsicht (leniency, forbearance) in German. It can be used as a noun with two possible articles:

• das Pardon: This is the more common form and considered more standard German. It refers to forgiveness or the granting of leniency.
• der Pardon: This form is less common and aligns more closely with the French masculine noun ("le pardon"). It is sometimes used in more sophisticated or slightly ironic language and has the same meaning.

🚨 Attention: In everyday language, "Pardon!" is often used as an interjection to briefly apologize or to ask for clarification when something wasn't understood. In this case, no article is needed.

🧐 Grammar Guide for Pardon

"Pardon" is a noun that can be either masculine (der) or neuter (das). It is mostly used in the singular; the plural is very uncommon.

💬 Example Sentences

• As interjection: "Pardon, können Sie das bitte wiederholen?" (Pardon, could you please repeat that?)
• As noun (neuter): "Er bat um Pardon für sein spätes Erscheinen." (He asked for pardon for his late arrival.)
• As noun (masculine, rarer): "Der König gewährte dem Verurteilten keinen Pardon." (The king granted the convict no pardon.)
• Without article (fixed phrase): "Da gibt es kein Pardon!" (There's no mercy/excuse for that!)

🗣️ How is Pardon used?

"Pardon" is used in various situations:

• As a brief apology: When lightly bumping into someone or interrupting. Example: "Pardon, darf ich kurz vorbei?" (Excuse me/Pardon me, may I get past quickly?)
• As a request for repetition: When you didn't hear or understand something. Example: "Pardon? Ich habe Sie nicht verstanden." (Pardon? I didn't understand you.) (Similar to "Wie bitte?" - How please? / Excuse me?)
• As an expression of forgiveness (noun): In more formal contexts, to express forgiveness or leniency. Example: "Für dieses Verhalten gibt es kein Pardon." (There is no pardon/leniency for this behavior.)

Compared to "Entschuldigung" (excuse me/apology) or "Verzeihung" (forgiveness/pardon me), "Pardon" often sounds a bit more polite, but sometimes also slightly distant or formal, especially when used as a noun. The interjection "Pardon?" to ask for repetition is common but can also sound impatient depending on the tone.

💡 Mnemonics for Pardon

For the articles (der/das): Think of das neutral feeling of forgiveness (das Verzeihen -> das Pardon) or picture der French gentleman (masculine) politely asking for den Pardon.

For the meaning: The word sounds almost identical to the English "pardon". Imagine you're in France (where the word originated) and constantly have to apologize: "Par-DON, par-DON!" Use the English meaning you already know.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Similar-sounding words: Be careful not to confuse "Pardon" with "Patron" (patron, boss) or "Parodie" (parody).

😄 A Little Joke

Kellner: "Pardon, mein Herr, hatten Sie Fisch bestellt?"
Gast: "Nein, um Himmels willen nicht! Aber wenn Sie welchen haben, esse ich ihn gern!"

Translation:
Waiter: "Pardon me, sir, did you order fish?"
Guest: "No, heavens no! But if you have some, I'll gladly eat it!"

📜 A Short Poem

Ein kleines Wort, oft schnell gesagt,
Wenn man sich ungeschickt betragt.
Ein Stups, ein Huster, leis' und schon,
Erklingt ein höfliches "Pardon!".
Ob der, ob das, der Sinn bleibt gleich,
Um Nachsicht bittet man sogleich.

Translation:
A little word, often quickly said,
When one behaves awkwardly instead.
A nudge, a cough, soft and low,
A polite "Pardon!" starts to flow.
Whether der or das, the meaning's sound,
For leniency, one asks around.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Wort aus Frankreich her,
Mich zu verstehen ist nicht schwer.
Ich bitte höflich um Gehör,
Oder entschuldige ein Malheur.
Mal bin ich sächlich, mal ein Mann,
Sag, wer ich bin, errate dann!

Translation:
I am a word from France nearby,
Understanding me isn't hard to try.
I politely ask for your ear,
Or apologize for a mishap, my dear.
Sometimes I'm neuter, sometimes a man,
Tell me who I am, guess if you can!

Solution: Pardon

🌐 Other Information

Etymology: The word "Pardon" was adopted into German from Old French "pardon" (noun) or "pardoner" (verb) in the Middle Ages. It is composed of "par-" (through, completely) and "doner" (to give, to gift), originally meaning something like "to give completely" or "to remit fully" (in the sense of debt release or forgiveness).

Cultural Context: Using "Pardon" can be seen as a sign of politeness and good manners, especially in more formal situations. It is used more frequently in some social circles than others.