Tschüss
/t͡ʃʏs/
The English phrase 'bye bye' can be translated into German as Tschüss.
Tschüss is used in casual settings such as with friends, family or in shops and cafes. You might also use Mach's gut to informally say 'take care', Bis bald to casually say 'see you soon' or the cute and affectionate Tschüssi.
Which one should you use?
While Tschüss is informal, Auf Wiedersehen is the formal equivalent used in professional or respectful settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tschüss is the standard informal way to say goodbye. For a more playful or 'cute' version, often used with children or very close friends, you can use the diminutive Tschüssi. For formal situations, use Auf Wiedersehen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, you may encounter different variations: Pfiat di is used in Bavaria, Mach's jut is used in Berlin and Tschö is used in Cologne.
Did you know?
- Even though Tschüss is the standard informal goodbye, its linguistic roots actually trace back to the Spanish adiós, which is a contraction of 'a Dios' or 'to God'.
- In many parts of Germany, especially the North, you might hear people say Moin not just as a hello, but also as a way to say goodbye.
- The diminutive Tschüssi is so common that it can sometimes sound slightly patronising or overly sweet if used with a stranger or a colleague.
Examples in context
- Tschüss, bis morgen!Bye, see you tomorrow!
- Mach's gut und tschüss.Take care and bye.
- Tschüss, wir sehen uns!Bye, we'll see each other!
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are leaving a cafe.
- JuliaIch muss jetzt wirklich gehen. Tschüss!I really have to go now. Bye!
- MaximilianAlles klar, Julia. Tschüss!All right, Julia. Bye!
- JuliaBis nächste Woche!See you next week!
- MaximilianJa, bis dann!Yes, see you then!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry tschüss.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tschüss, CC BY-SA 4.0.
