How to Say “Goodbye Forever” in German

By Clifford Trevor • Updated October 4, 2026

leb wohl für immer

The German phrase for "goodbye forever" is leb wohl für immer.

leb wohl für immer is used to express a final farewell when you expect that you will never see the person again.

Did you know?

Using leb wohl in a casual setting can be accidentally dramatic, as it often implies a permanent separation or a deathbed farewell.
In German, leb wohl is an imperative form meaning 'live well'.
The word wohl in the phrase leb wohl shares a common ancestor with the English word 'well'. While it translates to 'live well' in this context, it functions as a permanent farewell rather than a casual wish for someone's wellbeing.

Example conversation

Sarah and Maximilian are ending a long relationship and parting ways.

Sarah

Ich kann das nicht mehr ertragen.
I can't bear this anymore.
Maximilian

Ich verstehe dich, Sarah.
I understand you, Sarah.
Sarah

Geh bitte einfach weg, leb wohl für immer.
Please just go away, goodbye forever.
Maximilian

Auf Wiedersehen, Sarah.
Goodbye, Sarah.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries für, immer, wohl, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Clifford Trevor

Hi, I'm Clifford, a passionate language enthusiast and Germanophile. If you're looking for the ins and outs of German, with a bit of humour and culture thrown in, you've come to the right place. From guiding you through the informal ways of asking "Where's the bathroom?" to the best way to say "I promise," and even tackling the pronunciation of "Goethe," I do my best to make learning German a fun and engaging experience. When I'm not exploring the beautiful nuances of the German language, I enjoy a good bike ride, taking care of my dog, and indulging in a nice dark beer.

Clifford TrevorHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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