Auf Wiedersehen might be your go-to “goodbye” in German, but first impressions are key. You’ll want to end a conversation strongly with the appropriate “goodbye” that leaves a lasting positive image.
This makes learning the right way to wish someone “farewell” as important to your German conversations as saying “hello” in German. Learn the right phrases for ending a conversation in every context, whether you’re with a German friend, loved one, or professional acquaintance.
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How goodbyes fit into German culture
Saying “bye” in German is considered polite in professional conversations and friendly in more casual meetups. In either case, they provide a natural, clear end to the interaction. Given the average German’s love for direct communication, it’s necessary to say some form of goodbye to clearly state that the discussion is over and that you’re leaving.
As a tip, make sure you use schön (beautiful) instead of nett (nice) when wishing a German a nice day. The word “nice” is only used in German to describe a personality trait. Given that a day doesn’t have any personality to speak of, Germans would be confused if you wished them a Netter Tag (nice day).
Common ways to say ‘goodbye’ in German
If you’re walking the streets of Berlin or spending a calm afternoon in a café in Munich, you’ll hear Germans saying “goodbye” to each other in a few different ways.
- Auf Wiedersehen. = See you later.
- Auf Wiederhören! = Hear you later! (Said on the phone)
- Bis bald! = See you soon!
- Bis später. = Until later.
- Tschüss! = Goodbye!
These phrases for “goodbye” in German are generally neutral in terms of formality. They’re good for most interactions you’ll have, but you’ll need to reach for something more formal if you’re talking, for example, to your boss or a new business associate.
Saying ‘goodbye’ in a formal setting
The professional German world is one of polite interaction and direct communication that can border on bluntness in the eyes of the average American.
From German greetings to goodbyes, how you carry yourself and communicate is central to how your professional German contacts view you. Here are a few ways to say goodbye in German in a formal setting:
- Es war mir ein Vergnügen, Sie kennenzulernen. = It was a pleasure meeting you.
- Ich danke Ihnen für Ihre Zeit. = I thank you for your time.
- Mit besten Empfehlungen. = With best regards.
- Es war mir eine Freude. = It was a pleasure.
- Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag. = I wish you a beautiful day.
- Wir bleiben in Kontakt. = We’ll stay in touch.
How different forms of ‘you’ affect formality
Within German grammar, there are two registers used to show the level of formality with which you’re speaking. This influences conversation from “goodbye” in German to common German greetings.
When wishing someone you know well as a friend, loved one, or anyone younger than you, it’s appropriate to use the informal register. This means you’ll have to use one of these two forms of “you” in German:
- dir = you (informal singular)
- euch = you all (informal plural)
On the other hand, the formal register in German should be used in the workplace, with people older than yourself, and for official figures like police or civil registrars.
- Ihnen = you (formal singular/plural)
Keep in mind these are the dative German forms of “you,” in case you’re more familiar with the nominative du (you, informal singular) and Sie (you, formal singular/plural).
Casual ways to say ‘goodbye’
Hanging out with some German friends or family? If so, you’ll want to come off more casually with your “goodbye” in German to avoid sounding rigid or overly formal.
A light and friendly tone shows that you enjoyed the interaction and ends the conversation on a positive note.
- Tschau. = Bye/Ciao
- Alles Gute. = All the best.
- Wir sehen uns. = See you.
- Mach’s gut. = Take care.
- Leb wohl. = Farewell.
- Viel Spaß! = Have fun!
@rosettastone “Tschüss,” “Auf Wiedersehen,” and “Ciao” may be the 3 most common ways to bid someone adieu in Germany, but here are 15 other hilarious ways locals say bye!
♬ original sound – Rosetta StoneWhat”s the quirkiest way you”ve ever heard someone say goodbye?
Let us know.
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German slang: Goodbyes for your closest friends
For the most casual hangouts and for texting with friends, German slang is an excellent way to shake up your “goodbye.” Using slang also shows a deep level of understanding of the German language that will make you sound more like a native.
Depending on your relationship with your family, these phrases might come across as too casual. Generally, you should limit their usage to close friends, especially younger ones.
| German Slang Goodbye | English Translation |
| Bin weg | I’m off |
| Ciao Ciao | Bye-bye |
| Ich bin raus | I’m out |
| Man reicht sich | Smell you later |
| Man sieht sich | See you around |
| Peace | Peace/Bye (borrowed slang) |
| Reingehauen | Later |
| Tschüssi | Bye |
| Tschüssikowski | Cheeky bye-bye |
| Wir lesen uns | Talk soon (online/text slang) |
A goodbye for every time of the day
When your conversation has included the day’s events or plans to meet up later, for example, you might want to customize your “goodbye” in German to acknowledge this. Here are a few more options for a German farewell at different times of the day:
- Schönen Tag noch! = Have a beautiful day!
- Bis Morgen. = See you tomorrow.
- Bis heute Abend. = See you this evening.
- Schönen Feierabend. = Enjoy your evening off work.
- Gute Nacht. = Good night.
- Schönes Wochenende! = Have a beautiful weekend!
Tips for farewells in different German dialects
Did you know there are hundreds of German dialects? As you travel around Germany, you’re likely to run into some region-specific terms for things like “goodbye.” Don’t be caught off guard, and keep these dialectal phrases in mind based on where you plan to be.
| German Dialectal Goodbye | English Translation | Region of Germany |
| Ade | Goodbye | Baden-Württemberg |
| Hau rein | Take it easy | Northern Germany |
| Pfiat di | Take care | Bavaria |
| Servus | Bye | Bavaria |
| Tschö | Bye | Eastern Germany |
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