Meaning
A formal way to say goodbye.
Cultural Background
Germans value the distinction between public and private life. 'Auf Wiedersehen' is a linguistic tool that maintains this boundary respectfully. In these regions, 'Auf Wiederschauen' is often preferred over 'Auf Wiedersehen'. It carries the same formality but uses the local verb 'schauen'. In German business, the 'Sie' form and 'Auf Wiedersehen' are often maintained for years, even between colleagues who work together daily. Swiss German speakers might use 'Uf Wiederluege', which is the dialect version of 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
The 'Sie' Rule
If you call someone 'Sie', always use 'Auf Wiedersehen'. It's the safest social rule in Germany.
Phone Faux Pas
Using 'Auf Wiedersehen' on the phone is the #1 giveaway that you are a beginner. Switch to 'Auf Wiederhören' to sound like a pro.
Meaning
A formal way to say goodbye.
The 'Sie' Rule
If you call someone 'Sie', always use 'Auf Wiedersehen'. It's the safest social rule in Germany.
Phone Faux Pas
Using 'Auf Wiedersehen' on the phone is the #1 giveaway that you are a beginner. Switch to 'Auf Wiederhören' to sound like a pro.
Eye Contact
When saying 'Auf Wiedersehen', it is polite to make brief eye contact. It shows sincerity in your wish to see them again.
Regional Awareness
If you are in Austria, try 'Auf Wiederschauen'. Locals will appreciate the effort to use regional vocabulary.
Test Yourself
You are leaving a meeting with your new boss. What do you say?
Parting words for the boss:
In a professional setting with a superior, the formal 'Auf Wiedersehen' is the only appropriate choice.
Complete the phrase for a telephone call.
Auf Wieder_______!
On the phone, you use 'hören' (hear) because you cannot see the person.
Match the goodbye to the person.
1. Best Friend, 2. Doctor, 3. Grandmother (informal family)
Friends and family get 'Tschüss', while professionals like doctors get 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
Fill in the missing line in this formal dialogue.
A: Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe, Herr Müller. B: Gerne geschehen. Einen schönen Tag noch! A: Danke, Ihnen auch. ___________!
The dialogue uses 'Sie' (Ihnen), so a formal goodbye is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal Goodbyes
Practice Bank
4 exercisesParting words for the boss:
In a professional setting with a superior, the formal 'Auf Wiedersehen' is the only appropriate choice.
Auf Wieder_______!
On the phone, you use 'hören' (hear) because you cannot see the person.
1. Best Friend, 2. Doctor, 3. Grandmother (informal family)
Friends and family get 'Tschüss', while professionals like doctors get 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
A: Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe, Herr Müller. B: Gerne geschehen. Einen schönen Tag noch! A: Danke, Ihnen auch. ___________!
The dialogue uses 'Sie' (Ihnen), so a formal goodbye is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, it is perfectly appropriate and very common in supermarkets, especially with older cashiers.
Yes, in casual-formal speech, people often drop the 'Auf', but as a learner, using the full phrase is better.
'Auf Wiedersehen' is formal (Sie-form), 'Tschüss' is informal (du-form).
Yes, but mostly in professional contexts or with elders. Among themselves, they prefer 'Ciao' or 'Bis dann'.
It is two words: 'Auf' and 'Wiedersehen'. Note that 'Wiedersehen' itself is one word.
In this context, 'auf' means 'looking forward to' or 'until'.
No, for emails use 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen'. 'Auf Wiedersehen' is for spoken interaction.
On Zoom or Skype, you CAN use 'Auf Wiedersehen' because you can actually see them!
Yes, though you will also hear the dialect version 'Uf Wiederluege'.
It's closer to 'Goodbye' in terms of formality, but 'See you' in terms of literal meaning.
In many traditional German companies, yes. Wait for them to use 'Tschüss' first.
Always like an English 'V'. Never like 'water'.
Yes, it is a neuter noun: {das|n} Wiedersehen.
Using it on the phone instead of 'Auf Wiederhören'.
Related Phrases
Auf Wiederhören
specialized formGoodbye (on the phone)
Tschüss
contrastBye (informal)
Bis bald
similarSee you soon
Adieu
synonymGoodbye
Servus
similarHello/Goodbye
