Greetings! If you’ve ever wondered how to bid farewell in German until you meet again, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “till next time” in both formal and informal contexts. Let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Till Next Time” in German
When it comes to formal situations, it is always essential to show respect. Here are a few phrases you can use to say “till next time” in a formal setting:
Bis zum nächsten Mal
This is the most common way to express “till next time” in formal German. It can be used in professional settings or when bidding farewell to someone you don’t know well. Remember to pronounce each word clearly: “bis zum nächs-ten Mal.”
Auf Wiedersehen
Another formal phrase, “Auf Wiedersehen” translates directly to “goodbye” but can also be used to imply “till we meet again.” To show extra respect, you can combine it with “Bis bald” (see the next section). For instance, “Auf Wiedersehen und bis bald.”
Informal Ways to Say “Till Next Time” in German
When talking with friends, family, or anyone you are familiar with, you can use these more casual expressions:
Bis bald
“Bis bald” translates as “See you soon” and can be used to signify “till next time” informally. This phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Remember to pronounce it as “bis bold” and stress the “a” in “bald.”
Mach’s gut
Used colloquially to mean “Take care,” “Mach’s gut” can also be used as a friendly way to say “till next time.” It is often shortened to “Mach’s” in casual conversations among friends. Pronounce it as “mahks goot.”
Bis später
For a more relaxed expression, “Bis später” can be used to convey “till later” with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances. This phrase emphasizes meeting again in the near future. Pronounce it as “bis shpay-ter,” placing extra emphasis on the “ay” sound in “shpay-ter.”
Additional Tips and Examples
To add more depth to your German farewells, consider the following tips and examples:
1. Include a friendly name or title:
Whenever possible, personalize your farewell by addressing the person directly. For example, “Bis bald, Anna” or “Bis später, Herr Müller.” This adds warmth and shows the other person that you value their connection.
2. Show appreciation:
Add a touch of gratitude to your farewells to create a warm and memorable exit. For instance, “Bis zum nächsten Mal. Vielen Dank für deine Hilfe!” (Till next time. Thank you very much for your help!)”
3. Use hand gestures:
In German culture, handshakes are common when saying goodbye. It’s seen as a polite gesture and adds an extra level of warmth. Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and smile as you bid farewell.
4. Combine phrases:
Feel free to combine different phrases to create more personalized farewells. For example, “Auf Wiedersehen und bis bald” (Goodbye and see you soon) or “Mach’s gut und bis zum nächsten Mal” (Take care and until next time).
5. Use expressions of affection:
With close friends and family, you can add more affectionate expressions when saying “till next time,” such as “Pass auf dich auf” (Take care of yourself) or “Ich freue mich darauf, dich wiederzusehen” (I’m looking forward to seeing you again).
Now that you have a variety of phrases and tips at your disposal, you’ll be able to bid farewell in German with confidence, both formally and informally. Remember to practice pronunciation, include personal touches, and show appreciation. Viel Glück (Good luck) with your German language endeavor!
