farvel
/fɑːˈvɛl/
The English phrase goodbye is farvel in Danish.
farvel is used to mean farewell and is often employed when there is a sense of a long-term or permanent departure.
Meaning: farewell (intj)
Which one should you use?
While farvel is a standard way to say goodbye, it can sound more solemn or final than casual alternatives. In everyday, casual situations, hej hej is the most common way to say goodbye, functioning much like 'bye-bye' in English.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using farvel as part of a verb phrase to say goodbye to someone, use the preposition til, as in at sige farvel til (to say goodbye to).
How do you pronounce it?
/fɑːˈvɛl/
When do people say it?
When leaving, you might also use other common phrases such as Vi ses (See you), Vi snakkes ved (We'll talk later) or Ha' det godt (Take care).
Did you know?
- The word farvel is a literal command meaning 'fare well'. It originates from the imperative form of the verb fare meaning 'to travel' or 'to go'.
- The casual 'bye-bye' equivalent hej hej is actually the same word used for 'hello', just repeated twice.
- Because farvel contains the word 'vel' (well), it shares a common root with the English word 'well', showing how both languages historically linked travel with well-being.
Examples in context
- Giv mig et farvelkys.Give me a goodbye kiss.This sentence shows how to use farvel in the context of a goodbye kiss.Tatoeba #4532704 by danepo, translation #4531427 by CK
- Tom kyssede Mary farvel.Tom kissed Mary goodbye.This sentence demonstrates the phrase farvel used with the verb 'kyssede'.Tatoeba #2472271 by danepo, translation #2471443 by CK
- Hun vinkede farvel til ham.She waved goodbye to him.This sentence shows the use of the prepositional phrase 'vinkede farvel til' to mean waved goodbye to.Tatoeba #1884930 by danepo, translation #1884395 by davearms
- Farvel og tak!Goodbye and thank you!
- Ha' en god dag!Have a good day!
- Hej hej, ses i morgen!Bye-bye, see you tomorrow!
- Vi ses i aften på festen!See you tonight at the party!
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mette and Mikkel are meeting at the train station to part ways.
- MetteNu må jeg gå, farvel, Mikkel.I have to go now, goodbye, Mikkel.
- MikkelFarvel, Mette, vi ses snart.Goodbye, Mette, see you soon.
- MetteJa, pas godt på dig selv.Yes, take good care of yourself.
- MikkelDet skal jeg, farvel!I will, goodbye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries farvel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries farvel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
