Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| Bis bald | |
| Mer gseh üs | we will see each other |
Swiss speakers also say Mer gseh üs, 'we will see each other', which focuses on the reunion rather than the timing.
What does it mean word for word?
Bis bald joins 'until' with 'soon'. Mer gseh üs uses the verb gseh, 'to see', with the reflexive 'us' for 'each other'.
Which one should you use?
Bis bald is a quick, generic farewell. Mer gseh üs feels slightly warmer, almost promising the next meeting rather than just naming it as soon.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are casual and used with friends, family and colleagues.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Both phrases are used across German-speaking Switzerland without major regional differences.
How does it change in a sentence?
Neither phrase changes with the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
Gseh compresses the Standard German 'sehen' into one quick syllable, typical of how Swiss German shortens verbs.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using Bis bald for a meeting that is actually far away can sound odd. Swiss speakers reserve it for a genuinely near future meeting.
When do people say it?
Swiss people often pair Bis bald or Mer gseh üs with a concrete plan, such as naming the next weekend, rather than leaving it fully open.
Did you know?
- Gseh, the Swiss German form of 'to see', drops nearly every vowel from the Standard German 'sehen', a typical shortening pattern in the dialect.
- Swiss speakers often attach a concrete next meeting to Bis bald rather than leaving the timing vague.
Examples in context
- Bis bald, ich freu mich scho.See you soon, I am already looking forward to it.
- Mer gseh üs am Wucheend.We will see each other on the weekend.
- Bis bald, pass uf dich auf.See you soon, take care of yourself.
Example conversation
Livia says goodbye to her friend Jan after a coffee in Zurich.
- LiviaDas het Spass gmacht, bis bald.That was fun, see you soon.
- JanMer gseh üs am Wucheend, oder?We will see each other on the weekend, right?
- LiviaGenau, ich schick dir e Nachricht.Exactly, I will send you a message.
- JanSuper, bis bald!Great, see you soon!
