bis dann
/bɪs danː/
The English phrase "see you then" is translated into German as bis dann.
bis dann is used to say goodbye when you have already agreed upon a specific time for a future meeting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bis meaning "until" and dann meaning "then".
Which one should you use?
bis dann is used when a specific time or appointment has been set, whereas Bis bald is used when you expect to see someone soon but have no fixed time.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bis dann is an informal phrase typically used with friends, family or colleagues you are on a first-name basis with. Other informal options include Bis später or Tschüss bis dann, which means "Goodbye till then".
How do you pronounce it?
/bɪs danː/
Did you know?
- Because bis dann relies on a previously agreed-upon time, using it without a prior appointment can leave a German listener waiting for a specific detail that was never mentioned.
- The word bis is an evolution of the Middle High German biz, which combined the meanings of 'by' and 'to'.
- If you are in a rush, you can actually shorten the sentiment to just Bis! in very casual settings, though this is extremely informal.
Examples in context
- Gut, bis dann!Alright, see you then.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase in an affirmative context.Tatoeba #12544201 by Waldelfe, translation #4638671 by hito
- Bis dann!See you then.This sentence is a direct way to use the phrase as a goodbye.Tatoeba #698033 by xtofu80, translation #47013 by CK
- Alles klar, bis dann!All right, see you then!
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are making plans to meet at a cafe.
- FelixTreffen wir uns um vier Uhr?Shall we meet at four o'clock?
- SarahJa, das passt mir gut.Yes, that works well for me.
- FelixSuper, bis dann!Great, see you then!
- SarahTschüss, Felix!Bye, Felix!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bis dann, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bis, dann, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
