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 term Abschied refers to the act of an utterance of goodbye. While most forms express a farewell, the phrase lebe wohl is a heavy and dramatic way to say goodbye, often implying a long-term or permanent separation.
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 used for face-to-face meetings, auf Wiederhören is used specifically when ending a telephone conversation to mean until we hear each other again.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Auf Wiedersehen is a common and universal way to say goodbye in a formal context. For formal endings, you might also use Machen Sie es gut (Take care) or Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag (I wish you a nice day). On the other hand, tschüss and tschau (ciao) are informal. In a playful or cute informal setting, you might hear Tschüssi. The forms Gott befohlen and adieu are considered dated.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, it is common to use the regional variation auf Wiederschauen. Additionally, in southern Germany and Austria, the informal term Servus can be used to say both hello and goodbye.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Although not a direct translation of goodbye, bis bald (see you soon) is a very common way to conclude a conversation when you expect to see the person again soon. Other informal temporal phrases include Bis später (See you later) and Wir sehen uns (We'll see each other).
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌzeː(ə)n/
Did you know?
- The informal way to say goodbye, tschüss, is actually a linguistic traveler from the Spanish adiós via Dutch.
- The phrase Gott befohlen is a historical way to say goodbye that literally translates to 'commended to God'.
- The regional variation auf Wiederschauen replaces the verb 'to see' with the verb 'to look' or 'to gaze'.
Examples in context
- Tschüss und viel Glück!Goodbye and good luck.This sentence is useful for saying goodbye and wishing someone luck using tschüss.Tatoeba #485474 by Espi, translation #434818 by lukaszpp
- Lebe wohl, grausame Welt!Goodbye, cruel world.This sentence demonstrates a dramatic way to say goodbye using lebe wohl.Tatoeba #5598769 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2297079 by Hybrid
- Auf Wiedersehen, bis morgen.Goodbye till tomorrow.This sentence shows how to use auf Wiedersehen to say goodbye until a specific time.Tatoeba #485463 by Espi, translation #54011 by CK
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A customer is leaving a small boutique after a purchase.
- LauraVielen Dank für den Service.Thank you very much for the service.
- MaximilianSehr gerne. Auf Wiedersehen!You're welcome. Goodbye!
- LauraDanke, auf Wiedersehen.Thanks, goodbye.
- MaximilianEinen schönen Tag noch!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.
