When learning a new language, saying goodbye is just as important as knowing how to say hello. If you’re planning to travel to Germany, interact with German-speaking friends, or simply expand your language skills, understanding how to say goodbye in German can go a long way in making your communication polite and natural. The German language offers a variety of expressions for saying farewell depending on the formality of the situation, regional preferences, and even time of day. Whether you’re leaving a casual gathering or ending a professional meeting, this guide will help you say goodbye in German with confidence and clarity.
Common Ways to Say Goodbye in German
1. Auf Wiedersehen
One of the most standard and widely recognized ways to say goodbye in German is ‘Auf Wiedersehen.’ This phrase literally translates to ‘until we see each other again.’ It is formal and appropriate in most professional or respectful situations. If you’re leaving an office, a formal dinner, or a business meeting, ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ is a reliable option.
2. Tschüss
For informal situations among friends or family, ‘Tschüss’ (pronounced like ‘choos’) is a friendly and commonly used way to say goodbye. It’s casual, light-hearted, and can be used with anyone you are on familiar terms with. You’ll hear this word frequently in everyday conversations in Germany.
3. Bis später
‘Bis später’ means ‘see you later’ and is commonly used when you expect to meet the person again the same day. It’s informal and suitable for friends, classmates, or colleagues with whom you have a relaxed relationship.
4. Bis bald
If you’re not sure when you’ll meet someone again but expect it to be soon, you can say ‘Bis bald,’ which translates to ‘see you soon.’ This phrase strikes a balance between casual and polite, making it a good general-purpose farewell.
5. Bis dann
Another informal farewell is ‘Bis dann,’ meaning ‘see you then.’ It’s commonly used when you’ve already scheduled a future meeting or get-together with someone. It’s a nice way to acknowledge a planned future encounter.
6. Mach’s gut
‘Mach’s gut’ translates loosely to ‘take care’ or ‘do well.’ It’s friendly and informal, used among close friends or family. You could also say ‘Mach es gut,’ but the shortened version is more common in casual speech.
Formal Farewells in German
Auf Wiederhören
This phrase is a telephone-specific variation of ‘Auf Wiedersehen.’ It means ‘until we hear from each other again’ and is used at the end of phone conversations. It’s a formal and respectful way to end a call.
Leb wohl
Less commonly used in everyday conversation, ‘Leb wohl’ translates to ‘farewell’ and carries a more emotional or permanent tone. You might hear it in literature or dramatic situations where someone is leaving for a long time or permanently.
Regional Variations
Servus
In southern Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, ‘Servus’ is used both as a greeting and a way to say goodbye. It’s informal and very common in the Bavarian and Austrian regions.
Pfiuat di / Pfiat di
In Bavaria and Austria, locals may say ‘Pfiuat di’ or ‘Pfiat di,’ which means God protect you. It’s a deeply regional, informal farewell with cultural and traditional undertones.
Expressions for Specific Situations
Gute Nacht
When it’s nighttime and you’re parting ways, saying ‘Gute Nacht’ or ‘Good night’ is the polite choice. It’s friendly and used both in formal and informal settings, especially before going to bed.
Schönen Tag noch
If you’re leaving a store, restaurant, or office, it’s polite to say ‘Schönen Tag noch,’ which means ‘Have a nice day.’ It’s a courteous way to end an interaction and is often used in customer service situations.
Schönes Wochenende
On a Friday or just before the weekend starts, it’s common to say ‘Schönes Wochenende,’ which means ‘Have a nice weekend.’ This is friendly, polite, and suitable for both formal and informal interactions.
Tips for Using German Farewells
- Choose your goodbye phrase based on the context: formal vs. informal.
- Be aware of regional differences if you’re traveling across German-speaking areas.
- Practice pronunciation to sound more natural. German vowels and consonants can differ from English.
- Combine farewells with appropriate gestures like a wave or handshake.
Pronunciation Guide for Key Phrases
- Auf Wiedersehen: owf VEE-der-zey-en
- Tschüss: choos
- Bis später: biss SHPEY-ter
- Mach’s gut: mahx goot
- Schönen Tag noch: SHER-nen tahk nokh
Why Learning Farewells Matters
Farewells are more than just words. They reflect cultural awareness, respect, and a desire to connect with others. In German-speaking countries, using the right goodbye can leave a lasting impression and make interactions more pleasant. It shows that you’ve taken the time to learn not just vocabulary but also appropriate social behaviors.
Whether you’re speaking with a stranger, a colleague, or a friend, choosing the right German farewell adds warmth and clarity to your conversations. It signals that you’re attentive to detail and culturally considerate, both of which are valuable traits in any interaction.
Saying goodbye in German doesn’t have to be difficult. With phrases like ‘Auf Wiedersehen,’ ‘Tschüss,’ ‘Bis bald,’ and ‘Mach’s gut,’ you have a variety of expressions to choose from depending on the situation. From formal meetings to casual encounters, these farewells help you close conversations politely and naturally. Learning how to say goodbye in German is a simple but meaningful step toward mastering the language and making stronger human connections across cultures.