bis zum nächsten Mal
The German phrase for 'see you next time' is bis zum nächsten Mal.
bis zum nächsten Mal is a casual way to say goodbye when you expect to meet a person again.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'until the next time'.
Which one should you use?
While bis zum nächsten Mal implies a specific recurring event or a scheduled next meeting, bis bald is a more general way to say 'see you soon' without a specific timeframe in mind.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Mal can be used as a 'modal particle' to soften a command or request, such as in schau mal, which means 'just look'.
- The word Mal shares a root with the English word 'mole', as it was influenced by an Old High German word for a measure of length.
- Unlike English, which uses the verb 'see' in 'see you next time', German uses a preposition to describe the gap of time remaining until the next meeting.
Examples in context
- Bis zum nächsten Mal!See you next time.This example shows the phrase used as a standalone farewell.Tatoeba #4073109 by brunoalbinus, translation #12781070 by Ussis
- Das war’s für heute. Bis zum nächsten Mal!That's it for today. We'll see you next time.This sentence uses the phrase after stating that something is finished for the day.Tatoeba #9353897 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9165668 by DJ_Saidez
- Ich muss jetzt gehen. Bis zum nächsten Mal!I have to go now. See you next time!This sentence uses the phrase to conclude a statement about needing to leave.Tatoeba #14024522 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #14024525 by Ioan_Cristian
- Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe. Bis zum nächsten Mal!Thank you very much for your assistance. See you next time!
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are leaving a language class.
- LauraTschüss, Lukas!Bye, Lukas!
- LukasBis zum nächsten Mal, Laura.See you next time, Laura.
- LauraJa, bis bald!Yes, see you soon!
- LukasCiao!Ciao!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Mal, bis, mal, zum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
