Guten Tag! If you’re looking to expand your German vocabulary and learn how to say “later” in different ways, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore both informal and formal ways of expressing this concept in German. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Informal Ways to Say “Later” in German:
1. Bis später
This is an informal and commonly used way to say “later” in German. “Bis später” is the equivalent of “see you later” and can be used among friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.
Example: “Ich muss los. Bis später!” (I have to go. See you later!)
2. Tschüss
Although “tschüss” primarily means “bye,” it can also be used to casually say “later” when parting ways with friends or family members.
Example: “Ok, ich gehe jetzt. Tschüss!” (Okay, I’m leaving now. Bye!)
3. Später
“Später” can be used as a standalone word to mean “later.” It is commonly used in informal conversations, and its simplicity makes it easy to remember and incorporate into your daily German interactions.
Example: “Können wir das später besprechen?” (Can we discuss this later?)
Formal Ways to Say “Later” in German:
1. Bis später
Just like the informal usage, “bis später” can also be used formally when saying goodbye to colleagues, professional contacts, or acquaintances.
Example: “Vielen Dank für das Meeting. Bis später!” (Thank you for the meeting. See you later!)
2. Auf Wiedersehen
“Auf Wiedersehen” translates to “goodbye” in English and is a more formal way of saying “later” when parting ways with someone.
Example: “Es war schön, Sie getroffen zu haben. Auf Wiedersehen!” (It was nice to meet you. Goodbye!)
3. Bis zum nächsten Mal
This phrase means “until next time.” Using it when saying goodbye to someone you may meet in the future adds a polite touch to your conversation.
Example: “Danke für den schönen Abend. Bis zum nächsten Mal!” (Thanks for the lovely evening. Until next time!)
Tips for Using “Later” in German:
1. Context Matters
Always consider the context and relationship with the person you are speaking to. Informal phrases should be reserved for friends and family, while formal expressions are more appropriate for professional or unfamiliar settings.
2. Non-Verbal Cues
In addition to using the appropriate phrases, remember to accompany your words with appropriate non-verbal cues like waving, smiling, or shaking hands. These gestures reinforce your friendly or professional intentions.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
Try using these phrases in various situations to become more comfortable with their usage. Practice with native German speakers or language exchange partners to refine your pronunciation and cultural etiquette.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve now learned how to say “later” in German! Whether you want to use an informal phrase like “bis später,” a formal expression like “auf Wiedersehen,” or any of the other examples provided, you can now confidently bid farewell to anyone you encounter in your German-speaking journey. Remember, the key to mastering any language is practice and continuous learning. So keep practicing, immerse yourself in German culture, and soon you’ll be conversing like a native!
