auf Wiedersehen
/aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌzeː(ə)n/
The English phrase "see you again" is translated into German as auf Wiedersehen.
auf Wiedersehen is a common way to say goodbye or to express the sentiment "until we see each other again".
Which one should you use?
You should use auf Wiederhören specifically when ending a telephone conversation, as this means "until we hear each other again".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
auf Wiedersehen is a formal way to say goodbye. In more informal situations, you might use Tschüss to say "bye" or Bis später to mean "see you later".
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌzeː(ə)n/
Did you know?
- The phrase auf Wiedersehen is likely a calque, meaning it was modeled directly after the French farewell au revoir.
- The phrase auf Wiedersehen is so formal that using it with close friends can sometimes sound sarcastic or cold.
- The word wiedersehen can also be used as a noun meaning 'reunion' or the act of seeing someone again.
Examples in context
- Auf Wiedersehen!See you again.This example shows how to use auf Wiedersehen as a standalone farewell.Tatoeba #409153 by MUIRIEL, translation #32635 by CK
- Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Müller!Goodbye, Mr. Müller!
Example conversation
Julian is leaving a formal meeting with Hannah.
- JulianVielen Dank für das Gespräch.Thank you very much for the conversation.
- HannahSehr gerne. Auf Wiedersehen, Julian.You're welcome. Goodbye, Julian.
- JulianAuf Wiedersehen, Hannah.Goodbye, Hannah.
- HannahEinen schönen Tag noch!Have a nice day!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry auf Wiedersehen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wiedersehen, auf, auf Wiedersehen, wiedersehen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
