Is the word desculpe the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No. While the spelling, grammar, and core meaning are the same, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation.

In Brazil, "desculpe" is frequently used as a general "Excuse me" to get someone's attention or to ask to pass through a crowd. In Portugal, while "desculpe" is used for apologies, "com licença" is much more natural for the purpose of passing or entering a space. Additionally, the pronunciation of the final "e" differs significantly: Brazilians pronounce it as a clear, audible [i] sound (as in "bee"), whereas in Portugal, it is a reduced, unstressed vowel that is nearly silent.

Brazilian Portuguese usage:

1. Desculpe, você pode me ajudar? (Excuse me, can you help me?)
2. Desculpe o barulho. (Sorry for the noise.)
3. Desculpe, eu não entendi. (Sorry, I didn't understand.)
4. Desculpe por isso. (Sorry for that.)
5. Desculpe, eu esqueci. (Sorry, I forgot.)

Continental Portuguese usage:

1. Com licença, pode ajudar-me? (Excuse me, can you help me?)
2. Desculpe o ruído. (Sorry for the noise.)
3. Desculpe, não percebi. (Sorry, I didn't understand.)
4. Peço desculpa por isso. (I apologize for that.)
5. Desculpe, esqueci-me. (Sorry, I forgot.)