Tschüss
/t͡ʃʏs/
The English phrase goodbye informally is Tschüss in German.
Tschüss is a commonly used informal way to say goodbye in German. Other informal options include Bis dann (see you later), Bis später (until later) and Bis bald (see you soon). You can also use the affectionate farewell Mach's gut, which literally means "make it good" or the variant tschüs. Among younger generations in Germany, Ciao is also used as an informal goodbye.
Which one should you use?
While Tschüss is informal, Auf Wiedersehen is the formal equivalent used in professional settings or with strangers. For an even more casual and playful tone, often used among close friends or when speaking to children, you can use the diminutive form Tschüssi.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tschüss is the standard informal way to say goodbye and is appropriate for friends, family and casual acquaintances. In contrast, Auf Wiedersehen is the formal equivalent used in professional settings or with strangers. The diminutive Tschüssi is even more casual and is used in a cute or playful manner.
When do people say it?
When someone says Tschüss to you, the most natural response is to repeat Tschüss back to them.
Did you know?
- In Northern Germany, you might hear Moin used not only as a greeting when arriving but also as a way to say goodbye when leaving.
- In some German dialects, particularly in the south, people may say Servus as both a hello and a goodbye.
- The phrase Tschüss actually traces its lineage back to the Spanish 'adiós' via Dutch and Low German.
Examples in context
- Tschüss, bis morgen!Bye, see you tomorrow!
- Mach's gut und Tschüss!Take care and bye!
- Tschüss, wir sehen uns!Bye, we'll see each other!
Example conversation
Two friends are leaving a cafe after meeting for coffee.
- JuliaEs war schön, dich zu sehen, Julian.It was nice seeing you, Julian.
- JulianJa, wirklich. Tschüss, Julia!Yes, really. Bye, Julia!
- JuliaTschüss, bis bald!Bye, see you soon!
- JulianBis bald!See you soon!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry tschüss.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tschüss, CC BY-SA 4.0.
