How to Say “Long Time No See” in German

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lange nicht gesehen
The German phrase for "long time no see" is lange nicht gesehen.
This phrase is an idiomatic way to say that you have not seen someone for a long time. It is commonly used as a standalone exclamation or as an opening remark when greeting someone after a significant period of absence.
Meaning: idiomatic: I (or we) have not seen you for a long time (intj)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase lange nicht gesehen literally means "long not seen". It is a shortened version of the full sentence Ich habe dich lange nicht gesehen, which means "I have not seen you for a long time".

Which one should you use?

While lange nicht gesehen is the standard form, you may encounter even shorter versions like Lang nicht gesehen! Another variation is Wow, lange nicht mehr gesehen!

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Lange nicht gesehen is an informal phrase typically used with friends, acquaintances or colleagues with whom you are on a first-name basis. For a more formal situation, you should use the complete sentence Es ist lange her, dass wir uns gesehen haben, which means "It has been a long time since we last saw each other."

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Northern Germany (Norddeutschland), you might hear the regional variation Moin, lange nich' geseh'n! In Southern Germany (Süddeutschland), the variation Lang net g'sehn! is used.

Did you know?

  • The word nicht in the phrase shares an ancient root with the word for 'creature' or 'being', stemming from the Proto-Germanic wihtą. It essentially evolved from a term meaning 'never a being'.
  • While lange nicht gesehen is common, Germans may use Wir haben uns aus den Augen verloren to describe a friendship that faded over time.
  • When saying lange nicht gesehen, Germans often accompany the phrase with a firm handshake or a hug, depending on the level of intimacy.

Examples in context

  • Hallo! Lange nicht gesehen.
    Hello. Long time no see.
    This example shows how to use lange nicht gesehen as a simple greeting.
    Tatoeba #4870381 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4828629 by salpfish
  • Lange nicht gesehen!
    Long time, no see.
    This example shows the phrase used as an enthusiastic exclamation.
    Tatoeba #4528053 by InspectorMustache, translation #417003 by CK
  • Lange nicht gesehen! Ich habe gehört, du hast wieder die Arbeit gewechselt?
    Long time, no see. I hear that you've changed your job again.
    This example shows the phrase used as an opening remark before asking a follow-up question about someone's job using lange nicht gesehen.
    Tatoeba #8742737 by Yorwba, translation #424259 by CM
  • Herr Schmidt, es ist lange her, dass wir uns gesehen haben. Wie geht es Ihnen?
    Mr. Schmidt, it has been a long time since we last saw each other. How are you?
  • Hey Marie, wow, lange nicht mehr gesehen! Was hast du in letzter Zeit gemacht?
    Hey Marie, long time no see! What have you been up to lately?
  • Hallo Alex, lang nicht gesehen! Lust auf einen Kaffee?
    Hello Alex, long time no see! Want to grab a coffee?
  • Lang nicht geseh'n, Alter!
    Long time no see, dude!
  • 4 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Hannah and Julian run into each other at a café.

  1. Hannah

    Julian! Lange nicht gesehen.
    Julian! Long time no see.
  2. Julian

    Oh, hallo Hannah! Ja, das stimmt.
    Oh, hello Hannah! Yes, that's true.
  3. Hannah

    Wie geht es dir?
    How are you?
  4. Julian

    Mir geht es gut, danke.
    I am doing well, thanks.

Sources

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Hannah Janine
Hannah JanineHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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