En 15 secondes
- Used when seeing someone again later the same day.
- Casual and friendly, perfect for friends and colleagues.
- Short for 'Until later' and works in text or speech.
Signification
This is your go-to way to say goodbye when you expect to see someone again later that same day. It is warm, friendly, and implies a specific plan or a shared routine.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Leaving for work in the morning
Ich gehe jetzt los. Bis später!
I'm leaving now. See you later!
Ending a call with a friend you're meeting tonight
Freue mich auf das Kino. Bis später!
Looking forward to the cinema. See you later!
A quick break during a long meeting
Machen wir 15 Minuten Pause. Bis später.
Let's take a 15-minute break. See you later.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is key. If you say 'Bis später' and set a time, being even 5 minutes late is noticed. You might hear 'Servus' used both for hello and goodbye, but 'Bis später' is still used for specific same-day reunions. People are often more concise. A simple 'Bis dann' or just 'Später' is common in Hamburg. In Swiss German, you might hear 'Bis spöter' or 'Bis dänn'.
The 'Today' Rule
Always remember: 'Bis später' is for the same day. If the sun sets and rises again before you meet, use 'Bis morgen' or 'Bis bald'.
Umlaut Alert
Don't forget the dots on the 'ä'. Without them, it's not a German word and people might not understand your writing.
En 15 secondes
- Used when seeing someone again later the same day.
- Casual and friendly, perfect for friends and colleagues.
- Short for 'Until later' and works in text or speech.
What It Means
Bis später is the German equivalent of "See you later." It is a time-bound goodbye. You use it when the next meeting is already on the horizon. It suggests that the conversation isn't over for good. It is like hitting the pause button on a video. You are just stepping away for a while. It feels much more personal than a final Tschüss.
How To Use It
Drop this phrase at the end of a conversation. You do not need to add anything else. It works perfectly as a standalone farewell. You can say it while walking out the door. You can type it at the end of a WhatsApp message. It is short, punchy, and very easy to pronounce. Just remember to emphasize the später. It sounds energetic and positive.
When To Use It
Use it when you have a concrete plan to meet again. Maybe you are grabbing lunch with a colleague. Perhaps you are meeting a friend at the cinema tonight. It is perfect for roommates leaving for work in the morning. If you see the person every day, this is your best friend. It keeps the social connection alive and active.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you won't see them for weeks. It sounds a bit confusing if you say it before a long trip. Avoid using it in extremely stiff, formal business settings. In those cases, Auf Wiedersehen is the safer bet. Don't use it with a stranger you will never see again. That might make them think you are following them! Keep it for people in your orbit.
Cultural Background
Germans value efficiency and clarity in their language. Bis später is a perfect example of this. It defines the timeframe of the next interaction immediately. It reflects a culture that likes to have a plan. Even if the "plan" is just seeing your roommate for dinner. It is a very common, modern expression used across all generations. It replaced older, more poetic farewells in daily life.
Common Variations
If you want to be even more specific, try Bis gleich. That means "See you in a few minutes." If you are meeting tomorrow, use Bis morgen. For a casual vibe, some people just say Bis dann. That is like saying "See ya then." Each variation just tweaks the clock on your next meeting. They all follow the same easy Bis + [Time] pattern.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral-to-informal. It is safe for colleagues, friends, and family. Avoid in highly formal ceremonies or when addressing high-ranking officials for the first time.
The 'Today' Rule
Always remember: 'Bis später' is for the same day. If the sun sets and rises again before you meet, use 'Bis morgen' or 'Bis bald'.
Umlaut Alert
Don't forget the dots on the 'ä'. Without them, it's not a German word and people might not understand your writing.
Sound Native
Add a 'dann' to make it sound even more natural: 'Bis später dann!'
Exemples
6Ich gehe jetzt los. Bis später!
I'm leaving now. See you later!
Standard use between roommates or partners.
Freue mich auf das Kino. Bis später!
Looking forward to the cinema. See you later!
Confirms the upcoming plan.
Machen wir 15 Minuten Pause. Bis später.
Let's take a 15-minute break. See you later.
Professional but relaxed enough for colleagues.
Bin in 5 Minuten da! Bis später! ☕
I'll be there in 5 minutes! See you later!
Very common in digital communication.
Du kommst sowieso gleich zurück... Bis später!
You'll be back in a second anyway... See you later!
Used sarcastically when someone has to return.
Komm gut an. Bis später am Telefon!
Arrive safely. Talk to you later on the phone!
Adapts the 'seeing' to 'talking'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'See you later'.
Ich gehe jetzt, wir sehen uns um 18 Uhr. ___ später!
'Bis' is the standard preposition for all 'until' time expressions in German.
Which phrase is best if you will see the person in 5 minutes?
Du triffst einen Freund in 5 Minuten vor dem Kino. Was sagst du?
'Bis gleich' is for immediate reunions (minutes), while 'Bis später' is for hours later.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Rufst du mich heute Nachmittag an? B: Ja, mache ich. ____ ______!
Since they are talking about 'today afternoon', 'Bis später' is the most natural fit.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are leaving your colleague at 5 PM and you will see them at the office party at 8 PM.
It's the same day, so 'Bis später' is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIch gehe jetzt, wir sehen uns um 18 Uhr. ___ später!
'Bis' is the standard preposition for all 'until' time expressions in German.
Du triffst einen Freund in 5 Minuten vor dem Kino. Was sagst du?
'Bis gleich' is for immediate reunions (minutes), while 'Bis später' is for hours later.
A: Rufst du mich heute Nachmittag an? B: Ja, mache ich. ____ ______!
Since they are talking about 'today afternoon', 'Bis später' is the most natural fit.
You are leaving your colleague at 5 PM and you will see them at the office party at 8 PM.
It's the same day, so 'Bis später' is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if you are going to see the person again later that same night (e.g., at a club or after a shift).
In a modern university setting, it's fine. In a very traditional school, 'Auf Wiedersehen' is safer.
'Bis nachher' usually implies a shorter time gap, like 1-3 hours, whereas 'Bis später' can be anytime later in the day.
Simply repeat it back: 'Bis später!' or say 'Ja, bis dann!'
No, it's too casual for most formal emails. Use 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen' as a sign-off.
No, it is always two separate words.
No, 'Bis später' is standard German and used everywhere.
Only if you are coming back to the restaurant later that day.
Yes, 'Bis späten' is a common slangy variation among youth.
Then use 'Bis bald' (See you soon) instead.
Expressions liées
Bis bald
similarSee you soon
Bis gleich
similarSee you in a moment
Bis dann
similarSee you then
Bis nachher
similarSee you in a bit
Auf Wiedersehen
formalGoodbye
