So there you are: leaving your new favorite café in Berlin, one foot out the door, when you panic. This place is so cool … do you leave them with a casual Tschüss? But you’ve only just met them … so is a polite Auf Wiedersehen more fitting? In German, you have a number of goodbyes to choose from. But how to decide?
This guide will walk you through the most common ways to say goodbye in German, when to use them and how to pronounce the really important ones. From formal farewells to playful sign-offs, after this article you’ll have a proper sign off for every occasion.
Common Ways to Say Goodbye in German
Auf Wiedersehen — The classic formal goodbye
- Meaning: “Until we see [each other] again”
- Usage: Standard formal farewell in professional or polite settings
- Example: Vielen Dank. Auf Wiedersehen. (“Thanks a lot. Goodbye.”)
Tschüss — The everyday favorite
- Meaning: Bye
- Usage: Informal, used with friends, family, or acquaintances
- Variations: Tschüssi (cute/diminutive), Schüss (Berlin dialect)
- Example: Tschüss, bis bald! (“Bye, see you soon!”)
Ciao — Borrowed but beloved
- Meaning: Hi/bye (borrowed from Italian)
- Usage: Casual, common in Berlin and big cities
- Example: Ciao, wir schreiben uns! (“Bye, we’ll text.”)
Contextual Usage of Farewell Phrases
German has a sharper line between formal and informal than English does. Some quick rules:
Formal vs. Informal
- Formal goodbyes (Auf Wiedersehen, Auf Wiederhören) — use with strangers, in shops, at work, or whenever respect is important
- Informal goodbyes (Tschüss, Bis später) — use with friends, peers or anyone you’re on casual terms with
Phone Calls
- Auf Wiederhören — Until we hear each other again (Reserved for phone calls)
Regional Variations
- North Germany: Weddersehn (Low German dialect)
- South Germany/Austria/Switzerland: casual Servus or Pfiat di (dialectal)
Cultural note: In German-speaking countries, skipping a goodbye can be considered impolite. Even leaving a shop without a quick Tschüss might earn you a look.
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Creative and Fun Farewell Expressions
Sometimes you might feel inspired to use more than just a plain bye. Here are some playful ways to say goodbye in German:
- Bis später — See you later
- Bis bald — See you soon
- Bis dann — See you then
- Bis zum nächsten Mal — See you next time (coworkers, classmates, store clerks)
- Mach’s gut! — Take care (literally, “Do it well”)
- Hau rein! – Very casual, like “Take it easy”
- Viel Spaß! — Have fun!
Bonus: Mastering the Art of “Bis …” Goodbyes
Many German goodbyes start with bis — which literally means “until.” Each variation signals when or how soon you expect to see the person again. Here’s how to tell them apart:
- Bis später — See you later
Usually means later the same day. For example, to a coworker you’ll see after lunch. - Bis bald — See you soon
A bit more open-ended than bis später. Could mean later this week, or simply “soon” without a fixed time. - Bis dann — See you then
Used when you already have a specific plan or meeting time in mind. - Bis zum nächsten Mal — See you next time
More general, used with people you see regularly (like classmates or colleagues) but not necessarily soon. - Bis morgen – “See you tomorrow”
Straightforward — said when you know you’ll see them the next day.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which to use, bis bald is the safest catch-all. It’s friendly, easy to say and works in most contexts.
Saying Goodbye at Different Times of Day
- Schönen Tag noch — Have a nice day
- Schönes Wochenende — Have a nice weekend
- Bis morgen — See you tomorrow
- Einen schönen Abend! — Have a nice evening
- Gute Nacht — Good night (used only when someone is heading to bed)
Pronunciation Guide for the Most Common Goodbyes
| German Phrase | Phonetic | Pronunciation Notes |
| Auf Wiedersehen | owf VEE-der-zay-en | Auf = “owf” (like ouch without ch)Wieder = “VEE-der” Sehen = “zay-en,” both vowels pronounced |
| Tschüss | chooss | Tsch = “ch” in chocolateShort, sharp vowel, not drawn out |
| Bis später | biss SHPAY-ter | Bis = short “i” (like bit)Spä- = “SHPAY” (ä = “ay” in day)-ter = “ter,” with a light rolled/tapped r |
| Bis bald | biss bahlt | Bis = short “i” Bald = “bahlt,” with a clear final t sound |
| Schönen Abend noch | SHUR-nen AH-bent nokh | Schönen = “SHUR-nen” (ö like burn, rounded) Abend = “AH-bent” Noch = “nokh,” guttural ch |
| Gute Nacht | GOO-teh nahkt | Gute = “GOO-teh” Nacht = “nahkt,” with ch in back of throat (like Scottish loch) |
Pro tip: Listening to native speakers (films, podcasts, Babbel’s audio dialogues) can help you nail the rhythm of each phrase to sound more natural and confident. You can also check out our pronunciation guide for the German alphabet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common way to say goodbye in German?Tschüss is the everyday go-to. Auf Wiedersehen is more formal.
How do you pronounce goodbye in German?
The formal Auf Wiedersehen is pronounced “owf VEE-der-zay-en.”
Is Ciao used in German?
Yes — especially in Berlin and among younger speakers.
What’s the difference between Bis später and Bis bald?
Bis später suggests later the same day. Bis bald is more general, “see you soon.”
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve learned a handful of goodbyes, you’ll notice how naturally they slip into conversation — and how much smoother your interactions feel.
Each phrase carries its own tone: Auf Wiedersehen shows respect, Tschüss feels friendly and easy, and Bis später adds a touch of familiarity. Learning when to use which one is what makes your German sound confident and natural.
And the more you practice, the more instinctive it becomes. Before long, you’ll find yourself ending conversations in German without hesitation — and leaving behind a good impression every time.
The post Goodbye In German: 10 Essential Phrases To Bid Farewell appeared first on Babbel.
