Saying goodbye in German isn’t just about knowing one or two words. There are numerous ways to bid farewell, depending on the level of formality, the region, and the context in which you're speaking. Whether you're in a professional setting, saying goodbye to a close friend, or parting ways with someone for an extended period, this guide will help you master the various ways to say goodbye in German.
How to say goodbye in German
1. Auf Wiedersehen:
"Auf Wiedersehen" is one of the most formal and polite ways to say goodbye in German. Literally translating to "until we see each other again," it conveys a sense of anticipation for future meetings and is suitable for both formal and informal settings. The Swiss German version of the phrase would be "Uf Widerluge".
Example:
Formal: Auf Wiedersehen, Frau Schmidt. Es war schön, Sie kennenzulernen. (Goodbye, Mrs. Schmidt. It was nice meeting you.)
Informal: Auf Wiedersehen, bis bald! (Goodbye, see you soon!)
2. Auf Wiederhören
"Auf Wiederhören" is a formal way of saying "goodbye" specifically when ending a phone call. It is the equivalent of "goodbye" in English but used exclusively for phone conversations. Here are some examples of when and how to use "Auf Wiederhören":
Person A: "Vielen Dank für das Gespräch." (Thank you very much for this conversation)
Person B: "Gerne. Auf Wiederhören!" (My pleasure. Goodbye!)
2. Tschüss:
"Tschüss" is a common and informal way to say goodbye in German, similar to "bye" or "bye-bye" in English. It's a casual and friendly expression used among friends, family, and acquaintances.
Example:
Tschüss, mach's gut! (Bye, take care!)
Wir sehen uns morgen. Tschüss! (See you tomorrow. Bye!)
3. Servus:
"Servus" is a colloquial and regional greeting commonly heard in southern Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. It's an informal way to say both hello and goodbye, reflecting a friendly and laid-back demeanour.
Example:
Servus, bis bald! (Hi/Bye, see you soon!)
Servus, hab' einen schönen Tag! (Hi/Bye, have a nice day!)
4. Bis bald:
"Bis bald" translates to "until soon" and is used to express the hope of seeing someone again soon. It's a versatile and casual way to bid farewell in various contexts.
Example:
Bis bald, bleib gesund! (See you soon, stay healthy!)
Danke für den schönen Abend. Bis bald! (Thanks for the lovely evening. See you soon!)
5. Ade:
"Ade" is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to say goodbye in German. It carries a sense of finality and is often used in poetic or literary contexts. In Swiss German, "Adieu".
Example:
Ade, mein Freund. Möge das Glück immer bei dir sein. (Farewell, my friend. May luck always be with you.)
6. Leb wohl:
"Leb wohl" is a formal and rather poetic way to say "farewell" or "goodbye" in German. It carries a sense of finality and is often used in more emotional or dramatic situations.
Example:
"Leb wohl, meine Liebe. Ich werde dich vermissen." (Farewell, my love. I will miss you.)
7. When to Use Which Expression:
Formal Settings: In formal or professional settings, such as business meetings or interviews, it's best to use "Auf Wiedersehen" to convey respect and professionalism.
Informal Encounters: For casual encounters with friends, family, or peers, "Tschüss," "Servus," or "Bis bald" are appropriate choices, depending on the level of familiarity and regional preferences.
Regional Variations: Consider the cultural context and regional preferences when choosing a goodbye expression. "Servus" is more commonly used in southern Germany and Austria, while "Tschüss" is prevalent throughout the German-speaking world.
1. Formal Farewells
In professional settings or when addressing someone you don't know well, formal goodbyes are appropriate. These expressions are respectful and commonly used in workplaces, business meetings, or encounters with strangers.
1.1. "Auf Wiedersehen"
This is the standard formal goodbye, translating to "until we see each other again." It is suitable for most professional or polite conversations.
Example:
After a business meeting: "Vielen Dank für Ihre Zeit. Auf Wiedersehen." (Thank you for your time. Goodbye.)
1.2. "Auf Wiederhören"
This expression is specifically used when ending a phone conversation. It means "until we hear each other again."
Example:
Concluding a formal phone call: "Ich werde die Unterlagen zusenden. Auf Wiederhören." (I will send the documents. Goodbye.)
1.3. "Lebe wohl" (Farewell)
This phrase means "live well" and is a more emotional or poetic way to say goodbye, often used in literature or when someone is leaving for a long time.
Example:
Saying goodbye to a friend moving abroad: "Lebe wohl, mein Freund. Ich werde dich vermissen!" (Farewell, my friend. I will miss you!)
2. Informal Farewells
Among friends, family, or peers, informal goodbyes are more natural and relaxed.
2.1. "Tschüss!"
This is the most common informal goodbye, used in everyday conversations. It’s equivalent to saying "Bye!" in English.
Example:
Leaving a friend’s house: "Tschüss, bis morgen!" (Bye, see you tomorrow!)
2.2. "Ciao!"
Borrowed from Italian, "Ciao!" is commonly used in Germany, particularly among younger people and in casual settings.
Example:
After meeting a group of friends: "Ciao, wir sehen uns!" (Bye, see you!)
2.3. "Mach’s gut!" (Take care!)
A friendly and warm way to say goodbye, often used when parting for a longer time.
Example:
Wishing someone well before a trip: "Mach’s gut und viel Spaß in Spanien!" (Take care and have fun in Spain!)
3. Regional Variations of Goodbye
Different regions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have their own unique ways of saying goodbye.
3.1. "Servus!" (Southern Germany & Austria)
Used in Bavaria and Austria, "Servus" can mean both hello and goodbye in an informal context.
Example:
Parting ways with a friend in Munich: "Servus, bis bald!" (Bye, see you soon!)
3.2. "Ade!" (Swabia & Switzerland)
This is the Swabian and Swiss-German equivalent of "goodbye."
Example:
Leaving a café in Stuttgart: "Ade und schönen Tag noch!" (Goodbye and have a nice day!)
3.3. "Pfiat di!" (Bavaria & Austria)
In Bavarian and Austrian dialects, this phrase means "May God protect you."
Example:
Saying goodbye in a village in Austria: "Pfiat di, bis bald!" (Goodbye, see you soon!)
4. Slang and Playful Goodbyes
There are also some playful and humorous ways to say goodbye in German, often used among friends or younger people.
4.1. "Tschau Kakao!" (Bye-bye!)
A fun and rhyming way to say goodbye, often used among children and teenagers.
Example:
Leaving school: "Tschau Kakao, bis morgen!" (Bye-bye, see you tomorrow!)
4.2. "Bis bald!" (See you soon!)
This is a casual and friendly farewell, ideal for situations where you expect to see someone again soon.
Example:
Waving goodbye to a neighbor: "Bis bald, Herr Schmidt!" (See you soon, Mr. Schmidt!)
4.3. "Bis später, Alligator!" (See you later, alligator!)
A playful English borrowing that some German speakers enjoy using.
Example:
Ending a casual phone call: "Bis später, Alligator!" (See you later, alligator!)
5. Farewells in Writing
If you're writing a letter or an email in German, different farewell phrases are appropriate depending on formality.
5.1. Formal Written Goodbyes
For professional or polite correspondence:
Mit freundlichen Grüßen (Best regards)
Hochachtungsvoll (With high regards) – Very formal, rarely used today
Beste Grüße (Best regards)
5.2. Informal Written Goodbyes
For personal letters or messages:
Liebe Grüße (Kind regards)
Viele Grüße (Best wishes)
Bis bald! (See you soon!)
Example:
Signing off an email to a professor: "Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Max Mustermann." (Best regards, Max Mustermann.)
6. Conclusion
As you can see, German offers a variety of ways to say goodbye, ranging from formal and professional farewells to playful and regional variations. The key is to match the farewell to the situation and level of formality. Whether you’re saying a quick "Tschüss" to a friend, a formal "Auf Wiedersehen" in a business setting, or a regional "Servus" in Bavaria, choosing the right farewell enhances communication and connection with native speakers.
Next time you say goodbye in German, try using a new phrase to impress your conversation partner!
Viel Spaß beim Deutschlernen! (Have fun learning German!) 🇩🇪
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