Apologia

An apology is literally a de- fault - FINISH, a form of forgiveness. With the apology someone acknowledges that a deed of his was a moral failing. In common parlance, however, is just an excuse this request. The injured fact may accept or reject the apology.

There was a shift term: " To apologize " would be earlier than " free themselves from guilt " has been understood. Therefore, we expressed an " apology or forgiveness," because only the injured party can liberate one of their own debt to the extent that he not grudge them. The English as a strict distinction between to apologize ( apologize to apologize ) and to excuse ( someone or something to apologize ).

Accepting an apology

For the adoption of a (Please ) excuse - in addition to the degree of fault - the fact a role, whether genuine repentance and not just a superficial desire for harmony is present in the cause of the fault. It is customary (eg a handshake ) communicate the acceptance of an apology by words or gestures to the opponent. The matter is then considered " out of the world made ​​it".

Sorry, out of politeness

In everyday life, it is considered a sign of politeness, even to apologize, if not for the accident, for example, for a longer wait due to heavy rush of customers or a weather-related delay in public transport.

Furthermore, one also asks for " sorry " (for the disorder), if you want to ask for attention, to ask about a question. Example: "Excuse me, can you please tell me how I get to the station? "

Jurisprudence

The law knows the concept of excuse reason which may exempt an offender from the guilt of an unlawful act, but without canceling ( as a justification ) their illegality.

Excuse letter in school

In school, the term is traditionally used excuse for a written or oral statement by a legal guardian, why a student is absent from school or stay away from is. Full -year students can write such excuses himself; in Austria ( by the parents ) "net beneficiaries" from the ninth grade (ie, grade ).