Learning how to say goodbye in German is crucial for effective communication and building relationships. While English speakers often use “See you later,” German offers a variety of ways to express this sentiment, each with its own nuance and context.
Understanding these different expressions allows you to communicate more effectively and appropriately, fitting your farewell to the specific situation and relationship with the person you’re addressing. This guide will delve into the various ways to say “See you later” in German, exploring their meanings, usage, and cultural context.
This comprehensive article is perfect for beginners looking to expand their vocabulary and for intermediate learners aiming to refine their conversational skills.
This guide is designed for anyone learning German, from beginners to intermediate students. Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, or simply looking to improve your German language skills, this article will provide you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently say goodbye in various situations.
We’ll cover everything from formal farewells to casual goodbyes, ensuring you’re well-equipped to communicate effectively in German.
Table of Contents
- Definition: “See You Later” in German
- Structural Breakdown of Common Phrases
- Types and Categories of German Farewells
- Examples of “See You Later” in German
- Usage Rules and Context
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: “See You Later” in German
The English phrase “See you later” is a common and versatile way to say goodbye, implying that you expect to encounter the person again at some point in the future. In German, there isn’t a single, direct translation that captures all the nuances of this phrase.
Instead, German offers a variety of expressions that convey similar meanings, each suited to different contexts and relationships. These expressions range from formal to informal and can also specify when you expect to see the person again.
The most common and widely used translation is “Auf Wiedersehen,” which literally means “Until we see each other again.” This is a formal farewell suitable for most situations. However, in informal settings, there are many other options that are more appropriate and frequently used. These include phrases like “Tschüss,” “Bis bald,” “Bis später,” and regional variations like “Servus” (in Southern Germany and Austria) or “Ciao” (influenced by Italian). The choice of which phrase to use depends on factors such as the level of formality, your relationship with the person, and the region you are in.
Understanding the differences between these phrases is crucial for effective communication in German. Using the wrong farewell can sometimes sound awkward or inappropriate.
For example, using “Tschüss” in a formal business setting might be considered too casual, while using “Auf Wiedersehen” with a close friend might sound overly formal. Therefore, it’s important to learn the different options and understand their appropriate contexts.
Structural Breakdown of Common Phrases
Let’s break down the structure of some of the most common phrases used to say “See you later” in German. Understanding the individual words and their grammatical roles can help you better grasp the meaning and usage of these expressions.
- Auf Wiedersehen: This is the most formal option.
- Auf: A preposition meaning “on” or “upon.”
- Wieder: An adverb meaning “again.”
- Sehen: A verb meaning “to see.” In this context, it’s used as a noun (the seeing).
- The phrase literally translates to “On seeing again,” or more idiomatically, “Until we see each other again.”
- Tschüss: This is a very common and informal option. Its origin is debated, but it’s widely used across Germany.
- Bis bald: This means “See you soon.”
- Bis: A preposition meaning “until.”
- Bald: An adverb meaning “soon.”
- The phrase literally translates to “Until soon.”
- Bis später: This means “See you later.”
- Bis: A preposition meaning “until.”
- Später: An adverb meaning “later.”
- The phrase literally translates to “Until later.”
- Wir sehen uns: This means “We see us” or “We’ll see each other.”
- Wir: Pronoun meaning “we”.
- Sehen: Verb meaning “to see”.
- Uns: Reflexive pronoun meaning “ourselves” or “us”.
Understanding these structural elements provides a deeper understanding of the meaning and usage of each phrase. Knowing that “Bis” means “until” allows you to easily understand and use other similar phrases, such as “Bis morgen” (Until tomorrow) or “Bis nächste Woche” (Until next week).
Types and Categories of German Farewells
German farewells can be categorized based on their level of formality, regional usage, and whether they specify a time of the next meeting. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate farewell for any given situation.
Formal Farewells
Formal farewells are used in professional settings, when addressing someone you don’t know well, or when showing respect to someone of higher status. The most common formal farewell is “Auf Wiedersehen.” It’s always a safe bet when you’re unsure of the appropriate level of formality.
Another formal option, though less common, is “Auf Wiederhören,” which is specifically used when ending a phone call. It literally means “Until we hear each other again.”
Informal Farewells
Informal farewells are used with friends, family, and people you know well. These farewells are more casual and friendly. The most common informal farewell is “Tschüss.” Other options include “Bis bald,” “Bis später,” “Wir sehen uns,” and “Mach’s gut.” “Mach’s gut” translates to “Take care” or “Do well.”
Regional Variations
German has several regional variations for saying goodbye. These variations are common in specific regions and can add a local flavor to your conversations.
- Servus: Commonly used in Southern Germany (Bavaria) and Austria. It can mean both “Hello” and “Goodbye.”
- Ciao: Borrowed from Italian, it’s used informally in many parts of Germany.
- Ade: Used in Southern Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, similar to “Farewell.”
- Tschö: Used in the Rhineland region.
Farewells Specifying a Time
These farewells specify when you expect to see the person again. They are useful when you have a specific time in mind.
- Bis morgen: Until tomorrow.
- Bis nächste Woche: Until next week.
- Bis dann: Until then.
- Bis gleich: Until soon/shortly.
- Wir sehen uns am [Tag]: We’ll see each other on [Day]. For example, “Wir sehen uns am Montag” means “We’ll see each other on Monday.”
Examples of “See You Later” in German
To better understand the usage of these different farewells, let’s look at some examples in various contexts. These examples will illustrate how to use each phrase correctly and appropriately.
Formal Examples
Here are some examples of formal farewells used in different situations.
The table below presents 30 examples of formal scenarios with accompanying German farewells. Each row includes the context of the scenario, the appropriate German phrase, and a translation or explanation.
| Context | German Phrase | Translation/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ending a business meeting | Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Schmidt. | Goodbye, Mr. Schmidt. |
| Leaving a doctor’s office | Auf Wiedersehen, Frau Doktor. | Goodbye, Dr. (female). |
| Finishing a conversation with a client | Auf Wiedersehen und vielen Dank für Ihre Zeit. | Goodbye and thank you very much for your time. |
| Concluding a formal event | Auf Wiedersehen, meine Damen und Herren. | Goodbye, ladies and gentlemen. |
| Ending a phone call with a company representative | Auf Wiederhören. | Goodbye (on the phone). |
| Saying goodbye to a professor after class | Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Professor. | Goodbye, Professor. |
| Leaving a formal dinner party | Auf Wiedersehen und einen schönen Abend noch. | Goodbye and have a nice evening. |
| Concluding a job interview | Auf Wiedersehen und vielen Dank für das Gespräch. | Goodbye and thank you for the interview. |
| Saying goodbye to a bank teller | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
| Ending a formal presentation | Auf Wiedersehen und vielen Dank für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit. | Goodbye and thank you for your attention. |
| Leaving a government office | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
| Ending a meeting with a lawyer | Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Anwalt. | Goodbye, Mr. Lawyer. |
| Saying goodbye to a headmaster | Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Rektor. | Goodbye, Headmaster. |
| Concluding a formal tour | Auf Wiedersehen und vielen Dank für die Führung. | Goodbye and thank you for the tour. |
| Leaving a theater performance | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
| Ending a conversation with a senior colleague | Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Müller. | Goodbye, Mr. Müller. |
| Leaving a church service | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
| Saying goodbye to a librarian | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
| Ending a formal consultation | Auf Wiedersehen und alles Gute. | Goodbye and all the best. |
| Leaving a museum | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
| Concluding a formal training session | Auf Wiedersehen und vielen Dank für die Teilnahme. | Goodbye and thank you for your participation. |
| Leaving a concert | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
| Ending a phone call with customer service | Auf Wiederhören und einen schönen Tag noch. | Goodbye (on the phone) and have a nice day. |
| Saying goodbye to a formal guest | Auf Wiedersehen und vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch. | Goodbye and thank you for your visit. |
| Concluding a formal speech | Auf Wiedersehen und ich danke Ihnen für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit. | Goodbye and thank you for your attention. |
| Leaving a formal reception | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
| Ending a conversation with a government official | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
| Saying goodbye to a judge | Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Richter. | Goodbye, Judge. |
| Concluding a formal interview | Auf Wiedersehen und vielen Dank für Ihre Zeit. | Goodbye and thank you for your time. |
| Leaving a formal conference | Auf Wiedersehen. | Goodbye. |
Informal Examples
Here are some examples of informal farewells used in different situations.
The table below presents 30 examples of informal scenarios with accompanying German farewells. Each row includes the context of the scenario, the appropriate German phrase, and a translation or explanation.
| Context | German Phrase | Translation/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving a friend’s house | Tschüss! | Bye! |
| Saying goodbye to a family member | Tschüss, Mama! | Bye, Mom! |
| Ending a casual phone call | Tschüssi! | Bye! (cute/diminutive) |
| Leaving a party | Ciao! | Ciao! (borrowed from Italian) |
| Saying goodbye to a close colleague | Bis bald! | See you soon! |
| Leaving a coffee shop with a friend | Bis später! | See you later! |
| Ending a conversation with a neighbor | Mach’s gut! | Take care! |
| Saying goodbye to a classmate | Wir sehen uns! | We’ll see each other! |
| Leaving a casual get-together | Tschau! | Bye! (variation of Ciao) |
| Saying goodbye to a child | Tschüssikowski! | Bye! (playful) |
| Leaving a bar with friends | Bis denne! | See you then! (Berlin slang) |
| Saying goodbye to a roommate | Man sieht sich! | One sees oneself! (idiomatic, like “see ya!”) |
| Leaving a sports game with friends | Wir sehen uns beim nächsten Mal! | We’ll see each other next time! |
| Ending a text message | Ciao ciao! | Bye bye! |
| Saying goodbye to someone you see often | Bis zum nächsten Mal! | Until next time! |
| Leaving a restaurant with friends | Lasst es euch schmecken! Tschüss! | Enjoy your meal! Bye! |
| Saying goodbye to a group of friends | Macht’s gut, ihr Lieben! | Take care, you guys! |
| Leaving a casual meeting | Bis die Tage! | See you around! (idiomatic) |
| Saying goodbye to a family friend | Liebe Grüße und tschüss! | Best regards and bye! |
| Leaving a park with a friend | Bis demnächst! | See you soon! |
| Ending a casual video call | Ciao und bis zum nächsten Video! | Bye and see you in the next video! |
| Leaving a birthday party | Tschüss und danke für die Einladung! | Bye and thanks for the invitation! |
| Saying goodbye to a familiar shopkeeper | Tschüss, bis zum nächsten Einkauf! | Bye, see you next time I shop! |
| Leaving a hiking trip | Bis bald in den Bergen! | See you soon in the mountains! |
| Saying goodbye to a pet | Tschüss, mein Liebling! | Bye, my darling! |
| Leaving a concert with friends | Tschüss und viel Spaß noch! | Bye and have more fun! |
| Saying goodbye before a vacation | Tschüss und schönen Urlaub! | Bye and have a nice vacation! |
| Leaving a casual lunch | Bis zum nächsten Mittagessen! | Until the next lunch! |
| Saying goodbye after helping someone | Kein Problem! Tschüss! | No problem! Bye! |
| Leaving a casual study session | Bis zum nächsten Lernen! | Until the next study session! |
Time-Specific Examples
Here are some examples of farewells that specify a time.
The table below presents 20 examples of time-specific farewells in German. Each row includes the context of the scenario, the appropriate German phrase, and a translation or explanation.
| Context | German Phrase | Translation/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Seeing someone tomorrow | Bis morgen! | Until tomorrow! |
| Seeing someone next week | Bis nächste Woche! | Until next week! |
| Seeing someone later today | Bis später heute! | Until later today! |
| Seeing someone soon | Bis bald! | Until soon! |
| Seeing someone on Monday | Bis Montag! | Until Monday! |
| Seeing someone in a few minutes | Bis gleich! | Until soon/shortly! |
| Seeing someone tonight | Bis heute Abend! | Until this evening! |
| Seeing someone next year | Bis nächstes Jahr! | Until next year! |
| Seeing someone on the weekend | Bis zum Wochenende! | Until the weekend! |
| Seeing someone at 3 PM | Bis um 15 Uhr! | Until 3 PM! |
| Seeing someone next month | Bis nächsten Monat! | Until next month! |
| Seeing someone after vacation | Bis nach dem Urlaub! | Until after the vacation! |
| Seeing someone after work | Bis nach der Arbeit! | Until after work! |
| Seeing someone at the meeting | Bis zum Meeting! | Until the meeting! |
| Seeing someone at lunch | Bis zum Mittagessen! | Until lunch! |
| Seeing someone at dinner | Bis zum Abendessen! | Until dinner! |
| Seeing someone at the party | Bis zur Party! | Until the party! |
| Seeing someone at the concert | Bis zum Konzert! | Until the concert! |
| Seeing someone at the game | Bis zum Spiel! | Until the game! |
| Seeing someone at the event | Bis zum Event! | Until the event! |
Regional Examples
Here are some examples of regional farewells.
The table below presents 20 examples of situations where regional German farewells are used. Each row includes the context of the scenario, the appropriate German phrase based on region, and a translation or explanation.
| Context | German Phrase (Region) | Translation/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving a friend’s house in Bavaria | Servus! (Bavaria) | Goodbye! (also means hello) |
| Ending a phone call in Austria | Servus! (Austria) | Goodbye! (also means hello) |
| Leaving a store in Switzerland | Ade! (Switzerland) | Goodbye! (formal) |
| Saying goodbye in Southern Germany | Ade! (Southern Germany) | Goodbye! (formal) |
| Leaving a restaurant in Rhineland | Tschö! (Rhineland) | Bye! |
| Saying goodbye in Cologne | Tschö mit Ö! (Cologne) | Bye! (Cologne dialect) |
| Leaving a friend in Hamburg | Tschüs! (Hamburg) | Bye! (Northern German variation of Tschüss) |
| Saying goodbye in Berlin | Bis denne! (Berlin) | See you then! (Berlin slang) |
| Leaving a family gathering in Swabia | Adieu! (Swabia) | Goodbye! (French influence) |
| Ending a conversation in Vienna | Pfiat di! (Vienna) | Take care! (Viennese dialect for “Behüte dich Gott” – May God protect you) |
| Leaving a meeting in Tyrol | Pfiati! (Tyrol) | Take care! (Tyrolean dialect) |
| Saying goodbye in Saxony | Ahoi! (Saxony) | Goodbye! (Historically used by sailors) |
| Leaving a friend’s shop in Hesse | Guudn! (Hesse) | Bye! (Hessian dialect – short for “Guten Tag”) |
| Saying goodbye in Bremen | Moin moin! (Bremen) | Bye! (Although ‘Moin’ is usually used for ‘hello’ in Northern Germany, saying it twice can also mean goodbye.) |
| Leaving a friend’s house in the Palatinate | Uff widdaehse! (Palatinate) | See you again! (Palatinate dialect) |
| Ending a visit in Lower Saxony | Tschüssing! (Lower Saxony) | Bye! (variation of Tschüss) |
| Leaving a neighbor in Schleswig-Holstein | Tschühüs! (Schleswig-Holstein) | Bye! (variation of Tschüss) |
| Saying goodbye in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | Adsche! (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) | Bye! |
| Leaving a party in Saarland | Ciao! (Saarland) | Bye! (Italian influence) |
| Leaving a friend’s restaurant in Thuringia | Adele! (Thuringia) | Goodbye! (Thuringian variation of Ade) |
Usage Rules and Context
Choosing the right farewell depends heavily on the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Here are some general guidelines:
- Formality: Use “Auf Wiedersehen” in formal settings. Use “Tschüss,” “Bis bald,” or “Bis später” in informal settings.
- Relationship: Use informal farewells with friends, family, and close colleagues. Use formal farewells with people you don’t know well or with people of higher status.
- Time: Use time-specific farewells when you have a specific time in mind. For example, “Bis morgen” if you’re seeing someone tomorrow.
- Region: Be aware of regional variations and use them appropriately when in those regions. However, when in doubt, it’s always better to use a standard farewell like “Tschüss” or “Auf Wiedersehen.”
- Phone calls: Use “Auf Wiederhören” when ending a phone call.
It’s also important to pay attention to non-verbal cues. A handshake or nod can accompany a formal farewell, while a hug or wave is more appropriate for an informal goodbye.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that learners make when saying goodbye in German, along with corrections.
The table below presents common mistakes, their corrections, and explanations for better understanding and accuracy.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Tschüss, Anna! | “Auf Wiedersehen” is too formal for addressing a friend like Anna. “Tschüss” is more appropriate. | |
| Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Schmidt! | “Tschüss” is too informal for addressing someone formally like Mr. Schmidt. “Auf Wiedersehen” is more appropriate. | |
| Mach’s gut! | “Bis gut” is not a correct phrase. “Mach’s gut” means “Take care.” | |
| Tschüss, Mama! | “Auf Wiederhören” is only used on the phone. “Tschüss” is more appropriate in person. | |
| Bis morgen! | “Bis nächste Tag” is grammatically incorrect. “Bis morgen” means “Until tomorrow.” | |
| Auf Wiedersehen! | “Wiedersehen” alone is incomplete. You need the preposition “auf.” | |
| Bis später! / Wir sehen uns später! | “Ich sehe dich später” is a literal translation that sounds awkward. “Bis später” or “Wir sehen uns später” are better options. | |
| Tschüss! / Bis bald! | “Servus” is not common in Berlin. Use “Tschüss” or “Bis bald” instead. | |
| Tschüss, mein Freund! / Ade! | “Ade” can sound overly dramatic in everyday conversation. “Tschüss” is a safer option. If you do want to use “Ade”, it is more appropriately used in Southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria. | |
| Bis nächste Woche! | The preposition “zum” is incorrect in this context. Use “nächste” directly. | |
| Auf Wiedersehen! / Bis bald! | Using both formal and informal farewells together is redundant. Choose one or the other based on the context. | |
| Tschüss! / Auf Wiederhören! | Mixing in-person and phone farewells is confusing. Select the appropriate one for the situation. | |
| Bis nächste Woche! / Bis gleich! | Combining “Bis gleich” (see you soon) with a specific later time is contradictory. Choose one timeframe. | |
| Mach’s gut! | The contraction “es” is essential in “Mach’s gut.” | |
| Wir sehen uns! | “Ich sehe dich!” means “I see you!”, not “See you later!”. “Wir sehen uns!” is more appropriate. | |
| Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Professor! | “Ciao” is too informal for a professor. | |
| Bis morgen! | Incorrect use of the preposition “zum”. | |
| Auf Wiederhören! | The preposition “auf” is necessary. | |
| Auf Wiedersehen, meine Damen und Herren! | “Tschüss” is not appropriate for a formal audience. | |
| Tschüss, Mama! | Using both formal and informal forms is redundant in an informal setting. |
Practice Exercises
Test your knowledge with these practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate farewell for each situation.
Exercise 1: Choose the correct farewell.
In the table below, read each scenario and choose the most suitable German farewell phrase from the options provided. Mark your answer for each question.
| Question | Scenario | Options | Your Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ending a formal business meeting with your boss. | a) Tschüss! b) Auf Wiedersehen! c) Bis bald! | |
| 2 | Leaving a friend’s house after a casual visit. | a) Auf Wiedersehen! b) Tschüss! c) Auf Wiederhören! | |
| 3 | Ending a phone call with a company representative. | a) Tschüss! b) Auf Wiedersehen! c) Auf Wiederhören! | |
| 4 | Seeing your classmate tomorrow. | a) Bis später! b) Bis morgen! c) Auf Wiedersehen! | |
| 5 | Saying goodbye to a close colleague you’ll see next week. | a) Bis bald! b) Bis nächste Woche! c) Tschüss! | |
| 6 | Leaving a restaurant in Bavaria. | a) Tschüss! b) Servus! c) Ade! | |
| 7 | Ending a casual conversation with a neighbor. | a) Auf Wiedersehen! b) Mach’s gut! c) Bis später! | |
| 8 | Leaving a party where you’ll see everyone again soon. | a) Bis bald! b) Auf Wiedersehen! c) Tschüss! | |
| 9 | Saying goodbye to a professor after a lecture. | a) Tschüss! b) Auf Wiedersehen! c) Bis später! | |
| 10 | Leaving a store in Switzerland. | a) Servus! b) Ade! c) Tschüss! |
Exercise 2: Fill in the blank with the appropriate farewell.
Complete each sentence by filling in the blank with the most appropriate German farewell phrase from the options provided.
1. Ending a phone call: ________, Frau Müller!
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2. Leaving a friend’s house: ________, bis morgen!
3. Finishing a business meeting: ________, Herr Schmidt.
4. Seeing a colleague next week: ________, bis nächste Woche!
5. Saying goodbye in Bavaria: ________, have a nice day!
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
Beyond the basic phrases, there are nuances and subtleties in German farewells that can enhance your communication skills. Understanding these can make your German sound more natural and fluent.
- Using Diminutives: Adding “-chen” or “-lein” to “Tschüss” can make it sound cuter and more affectionate (e.g., “Tschüsschen”).
- Adding Wishes: You can add wishes to your farewell, such as “Schönen Tag noch!” (Have a nice day!) or “Schönes Wochenende!” (Have a nice weekend!).
- Expressing Hope to See Again: Phrases like “Ich hoffe, wir sehen uns bald wieder” (I hope we see each other again soon) add a personal touch.
- Using Modal Particles: Modal particles like “ja,” “doch,” and “denn” can subtly change the tone of your farewell. For example, “Tschüss ja!” can add a sense of urgency or finality.
Mastering these nuances requires practice and exposure to the language, but it can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in German.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Ciao” commonly used in Germany?
Yes, “Ciao” is commonly used in many parts of Germany, especially among younger people. It’s considered informal and is borrowed from Italian.
When should I use “Auf Wiederhören”?
“Auf Wiederhören” is specifically used when ending a phone call. It literally means “Until we hear each other again.”
Is “Servus” appropriate to use everywhere in Germany?
No, “Servus” is primarily used in Southern Germany (Bavaria) and Austria. Using it in Northern Germany might sound out of place.
What’s the difference between “Bis bald” and “Bis später”?
“Bis bald” means “See you soon,” implying you’ll see the person relatively soon. “Bis später” means “See you later,” which is more general and doesn’t specify a timeframe.
Can I use “Tschüss” in a formal setting?
It’s generally not recommended to use “Tschüss” in a formal setting. “Auf Wiedersehen” is a safer and more appropriate choice.
How do I say “Take care” in German?
The most common way to say “Take care” in German is “Mach’s gut.”
Conclusion
Saying “See you later” in German involves a range of expressions, each with its own context and level of formality. From the formal “Auf Wiedersehen” to the casual “Tschüss” and regional variations like “Servus,” understanding these options allows you to communicate effectively and appropriately in various situations.
By considering the formality of the setting, your relationship with the person, and any regional customs, you can confidently choose the right farewell. Practice these phrases and pay attention to how native speakers use them to further refine your German language skills and enhance your conversations.