auf Wiedersehen
/aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌzeː(ə)n/
The German phrase for "until we meet again" is auf Wiedersehen.
auf Wiedersehen is used as a way to say "until we meet again".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of auf (until/to) and Wiedersehen (seeing again/meeting again).
Which one should you use?
Auf Wiederhören is used instead of auf Wiedersehen specifically when ending a telephone conversation to mean "until we hear each other again".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
auf Wiedersehen is a formal way to say goodbye when you expect to see the person again. For informal situations, you can use Tschüss (bye), Bis bald (see you soon) or Ciao (goodbye or see you later).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Wiedersehen is a nominalized verb, which is why it is capitalized in German.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐˌzeː(ə)n/
Did you know?
- The phrase auf Wiedersehen is actually a linguistic imitation of the French 'au revoir'.
- Although auf Wiedersehen is formal, the informal Ciao is extremely common in Germany and was borrowed from Italian.
Examples in context
- Auf Wiedersehen, Bob und Nora!Until we meet again, Bob and Nora.This sentence uses auf Wiedersehen to address two people.Tatoeba #1308707 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2490790 by Opiejay888
- Auf Wiedersehen!Until we meet again.This sentence is a standalone use of auf Wiedersehen.Tatoeba #409153 by MUIRIEL, translation #8672701 by ajje
- Auf Wiedersehen, meine Damen und Herren.Goodbye, ladies and gentlemen.
Example conversation
A formal business meeting ends in a professional office.
- FelixAuf Wiedersehen, Frau Schmidt.Goodbye, Ms. Schmidt.
- LauraAuf Wiedersehen, Herr Weber.Goodbye, Mr. Weber.
- FelixWir telefonieren nächste Woche.We will speak on the phone next week.
- LauraJa, bis bald.Yes, see you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry auf Wiedersehen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wiedersehen, auf, auf Wiedersehen, wiedersehen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
