Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| Tschau | |
| Adieu | traditional |
| Uf Wiederluege | more formal |
The older, traditional farewell Adieu is still used, especially in rural areas and among older speakers. For a more formal goodbye, Swiss speakers say Uf Wiederluege, 'see you again'.
What does it mean word for word?
Tschau is borrowed from Italian 'ciao'. Adieu is borrowed from French and literally means 'to God'. Uf Wiederluege joins 'on' and 'to see again'.
Which one should you use?
Tschau is the everyday, casual farewell. Adieu sounds older and more traditional. Uf Wiederluege is the most formal of the three.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tschau fits any casual setting. Uf Wiederluege is better for a shop, an office or someone you address formally.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Adieu is especially common in rural Switzerland and among older generations, while Tschau dominates among younger speakers and in cities.
How does it change in a sentence?
None of the three farewells change with the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
Tschau is said just like the Italian 'ciao'. Adieu keeps a French-style pronunciation, close to 'ah-dyoe'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using Standard German Auf Wiedersehen is understood but sounds imported. Swiss speakers reach for Tschau or Uf Wiederluege instead.
When do people say it?
Hearing Adieu from a shopkeeper, especially outside the big cities, is still common in German-speaking Switzerland, even though it comes from French.
Did you know?
- Tschau entered Swiss German from Italian, one of Switzerland's four national languages, reflecting the country's close linguistic contact.
- Adieu, borrowed from French, literally means 'to God', though most speakers use it today without any religious sense at all.
Examples in context
- Tschau, bis morn!Bye, see you tomorrow!
- Adieu, e schöne Tag no.Goodbye, have a nice rest of the day.
- Uf Wiederluege, merci für alles.Goodbye, thank you for everything.
Example conversation
Fabienne leaves the bakery after chatting with the owner, Res.
- FabienneMerci vielmal, Tschau!Thank you very much, bye!
- ResAdieu, bis zum nächste Mal.Goodbye, until next time.
- FabienneIch chumm nächsti Wuche wieder.I will come again next week.
- ResSuper, uf Wiederluege!Great, see you again!
