What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition auf (until/on) and the noun Wiedersehen (seeing again), literally meaning 'until the seeing again'.
Which one should you use?
While auf Wiedersehen is the formal way to say goodbye, Tschüss is a common informal way to say 'bye' to friends or in casual settings. If you are ending a telephone conversation instead of a face-to-face meeting, you should use Auf Wiederhören, which translates to 'until we hear each other again'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
auf Wiedersehen is a formal farewell used in professional settings, with strangers or in shops and restaurants. In contrast, Tschüss, Bis bald (see you soon) and Mach's gut (take care) are informal options used among friends and acquaintances.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌzeː(ə)n/
Did you know?
- The phrase is believed to be a linguistic calque of the French farewell au revoir. This means German speakers essentially translated the French concept of 'until seeing again' directly into their own language.
Examples in context
- Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Schmidt!Goodbye, Mr. Schmidt!
- Auf Wiedersehen und einen schönen Tag noch!Goodbye and have a nice day!
Example conversation
Julian is leaving a business meeting with Hannah.
- JulianVielen Dank für das Gespräch, Hannah.Thank you very much for the conversation, Hannah.
- HannahGern geschehen, Julian.You're welcome, Julian.
- JulianDann sage ich jetzt auf Wiedersehen.Then I will say goodbye now.
- HannahAuf Wiedersehen, bis bald!Goodbye, see you soon!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry auf Wiedersehen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wiedersehen, auf, auf Wiedersehen, wiedersehen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
