Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| auf Wiedersehen | /aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌzeː(ə)n/ (Germany) /aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌseː(ɛ)n/ (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland) |
|
| auf Wiederhören | ||
| tschüss | /t͡ʃʏs/ | informal |
| tschau (ciao) | informal | |
| Gott befohlen | dated | |
| adieu | dated | |
| lebe wohl | ||
| auf Wiederschauen | /aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌʃaʊ̯ən/ | Austria |
The most common and formal way to say goodbye is auf Wiedersehen, which translates to 'until we see each other again'. For a long-term or permanent farewell, which often carries a heavy or dramatic tone, you can use lebe wohl (farewell / live well). Other forms include the informal tschüss (bye), the versatile tschau (ciao) (bye) and bis bald (see you soon) or bis später (see you later).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase auf Wiedersehen literally translates to 'until seeing again'.
Which one should you use?
While auf Wiedersehen is the standard formal farewell, you should use auf Wiederhören specifically when ending a telephone conversation, as it means 'until we hear each other again'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Auf Wiedersehen is the most common formal way to say goodbye. For informal situations, such as among friends, family or in casual retail settings, use tschüss. The phrase tschau (ciao) is also a common informal way to say bye. The forms Gott befohlen and adieu are considered dated.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the variant auf Wiederschauen is commonly used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌzeː(ə)n/
Did you know?
- The word tschüss is a cousin to the Spanish adiós, having traveled from Spanish to French and eventually into German Low German.
- In very old-fashioned or highly religious contexts, one might have used Gott befohlen, which means 'commanded to God'.
Examples in context
- Tschüss und viel Glück!Goodbye and good luck.This sentence is useful for practicing the informal tschüss.Tatoeba #485474 by Espi, translation #434818 by lukaszpp
- Lebe wohl, grausame Welt!Goodbye, cruel world.This sentence is useful for practicing the lebe wohl.Tatoeba #5598769 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2297079 by Hybrid
- Auf Wiedersehen, bis morgen.Goodbye till tomorrow.This sentence is useful for practicing the formal auf Wiedersehen.Tatoeba #485463 by Espi, translation #54011 by CK
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are leaving a formal business meeting.
- SarahAuf Wiedersehen, Herr Weber.Goodbye, Mr. Weber.
- FelixAuf Wiedersehen, Frau Schmidt.Goodbye, Ms. Schmidt.
- SarahVielen Dank für das Gespräch.Thank you very much for the conversation.
- FelixGern geschehen. Einen schönen Tag noch!You're welcome. Have a nice day!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries auf Wiedersehen, auf Wiederhören, tschüss, auf Wiederschauen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wiederhören, Wiedersehen, auf, auf Wiederhören, auf Wiederschauen, auf Wiedersehen, tschüss, wiedersehen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
