Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| pass auf dich auf | /pas aʊ̯f dɪç aʊ̯f/ (word by word) |
| mach's gut | /maxs ɡuːt/ |
These phrases are used as a way to say good-bye. Pass auf dich auf is often used when someone is about to travel or is going through a difficult situation. It is a warm and personal expression. Mach's gut is a more casual, standard way to bid farewell, similar to saying 'take it easy' or 'be well'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pass auf dich auf literally means 'watch out for yourself' or 'pay attention to yourself'.
Which one should you use?
Pass auf dich auf is more personal and warm than the more generic mach's gut. While mach's gut functions as a standard way to say goodbye, pass auf dich auf focuses more specifically on the person's well-being.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, people often say Mach's guad to mean 'take care' in a friendly manner.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. When speaking to a group of people you know informally, use passt auf euch auf. When using the formal 'Sie' address, the phrase becomes passen Sie auf sich auf.
How do you pronounce it?
/pas aʊ̯f dɪç aʊ̯f/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Pass auf dich auf.Take care of yourself.This sentence demonstrates the basic use of the phrase to say 'take care of yourself'.Tatoeba #531349 by Espi, translation #64257 by CK
- Pass auf dich auf!Take care!This sentence shows the phrase used with an exclamation point for emphasis.Tatoeba #1239683 by Esperantostern, translation #324861 by CK
- Bitte pass auf dich auf!Please take care of yourself.This sentence shows how to add 'bitte' (please) to the phrase for a more polite tone.Tatoeba #724939 by Manfredo, translation #38550 by CK
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are saying goodbye at a train station.
- MaximilianTschüss, Julia!Bye, Julia!
- JuliaBis bald, Maximilian.See you soon, Maximilian.
- MaximilianPass auf dich auf!Take care!
- JuliaDanke, du auch.Thanks, you too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “take care” translations and entries mach's gut, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Pass, auf, dich) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auf, dich, gut, mach's gut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
