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 | /aˈdjøː/ | dated |
| lebe wohl | ||
| auf Wiederschauen | /aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌʃaʊ̯ən/ | Austria |
The most common ways to say goodbye range from the formal auf Wiedersehen to the informal tschüss. Depending on the medium of communication or the duration of the separation, different forms are preferred. For example, lebe wohl is used for a long-term or permanent farewell, often implying the speaker will not see the person again for a long time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase auf Wiedersehen literally means 'until the seeing again'.
Which one should you use?
While auf Wiedersehen is used for parting in person, auf Wiederhören is used specifically when ending a telephone conversation and means 'until we hear each other again'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, auf Wiedersehen is the standard choice and translates to 'farewell'. In informal settings, tschüss is the standard way to say 'bye', while tschau is a common informal option borrowed from the Italian 'ciao'. You might also use the playful variation tschüssi in very casual contexts. Dated forms include Gott befohlen and adieu.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the variant auf Wiederschauen is commonly used instead of auf Wiedersehen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase auf Wiedersehen, the word Wiedersehen functions as a nominalized verb, acting as a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌzeː(ə)n/
Did you know?
- The casual word tschüss actually comes from the Spanish 'adiós' or French 'adieu' via Dutch and Low German.
Examples in context
- Tschüss und viel Glück!Goodbye and good luck.This sentence uses tschüss to wish someone good luck.Tatoeba #485474 by Espi, translation #434818 by lukaszpp
- Lebe wohl, grausame Welt!Goodbye, cruel world.This sentence uses lebe wohl to express a dramatic farewell.Tatoeba #5598769 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2297079 by Hybrid
- Auf Wiedersehen, bis morgen.Goodbye till tomorrow.This sentence uses auf Wiedersehen to say goodbye until the next day.Tatoeba #485463 by Espi, translation #54011 by CK
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah is leaving a business meeting with Lukas.
- HannahVielen Dank für Ihre Zeit, Herr Lukas.Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Lukas.
- LukasGern geschehen, Frau Hannah.You are welcome, Ms. Hannah.
- HannahDann sage ich auf Wiedersehen.Then I will say goodbye.
- LukasAuf Wiedersehen und einen schönen Tag noch!Goodbye and 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.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry Adieu.
- 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.
