Meaning
A formal farewell used during phone calls.
Cultural Background
Germans value the distinction between private and professional life. Using 'Auf Wiederhören' maintains a professional boundary that 'Tschüss' might cross. While 'Auf Wiederschauen' is common in person in the south, 'Auf Wiederhören' is still the standard for formal phone calls to maintain clarity. In the age of Zoom and Teams, there is a 'linguistic lag'. Many Germans still say 'Auf Wiederhören' on video calls out of habit, though 'Auf Wiedersehen' is technically more accurate.
The 'Safe' Choice
If you are unsure on the phone, 'Auf Wiederhören' is always safer than 'Tschüss' in Germany.
Video Call Trap
On Zoom, look at the screen. If you see faces, say 'Auf Wiedersehen'. If it's a black screen with names, 'Auf Wiederhören' is okay.
Meaning
A formal farewell used during phone calls.
The 'Safe' Choice
If you are unsure on the phone, 'Auf Wiederhören' is always safer than 'Tschüss' in Germany.
Video Call Trap
On Zoom, look at the screen. If you see faces, say 'Auf Wiedersehen'. If it's a black screen with names, 'Auf Wiederhören' is okay.
Regionality
In Switzerland, you might hear 'Uf Wiederlose', which is the Swiss German equivalent.
Test Yourself
You are calling {die|f} Bank. How do you say goodbye?
Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe...
Since it is a formal phone call to a bank, 'Auf Wiederhören' is the correct etiquette.
Complete the phrase for a radio sign-off.
Danke fürs Zuhören und auf ________!
Radio is an audio medium, so 'Wiederhören' is the appropriate term.
Match the farewell to the situation.
1. Meeting a friend in a cafe. 2. Calling a insurance company. 3. Video call with camera on.
Friends use 'Tschüss', insurance calls use 'Auf Wiederhören', and video calls (visual) use 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
Complete the business dialogue.
A: Ich schicke Ihnen den Vertrag. B: Sehr gut. Ich erwarte ihn. ________!
A business call ends with a formal farewell.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sehen vs. Hören
Where to use Auf Wiederhören
Professional
- • Bank
- • Insurance
- • Doctor
Media
- • Radio
- • Podcasts
Official
- • Government
- • Police
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe...
Since it is a formal phone call to a bank, 'Auf Wiederhören' is the correct etiquette.
Danke fürs Zuhören und auf ________!
Radio is an audio medium, so 'Wiederhören' is the appropriate term.
1. Meeting a friend in a cafe. 2. Calling a insurance company. 3. Video call with camera on.
Friends use 'Tschüss', insurance calls use 'Auf Wiederhören', and video calls (visual) use 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
A: Ich schicke Ihnen den Vertrag. B: Sehr gut. Ich erwarte ihn. ________!
A business call ends with a formal farewell.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, in semi-formal contexts, dropping the 'Auf' is common and sounds slightly more modern.
Usually, voice messages are informal, so 'Tschüss' or 'Bis dann' is better. 'Auf Wiederhören' sounds too stiff for a voice note.
If it's a one-way video, stick to 'Auf Wiederhören' to be safe.
Yes, but mostly in professional roles (e.g., a young person working in a call center). In private life, they rarely use it.
Not really, other than just 'Wiederhören'.
No. For emails, use 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen'.
Related Phrases
Auf Wiedersehen
similarUntil we see each other again
Tschüss
informalBye
Bis bald
similarSee you soon
Man hört sich
informalWe'll hear from each other
