In 15 Seconds
- The standard polite way to end a conversation or leave.
- Literally means 'to say until we see each other again'.
- Best for shops, offices, and people you don't know well.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard, polite way to tell someone you are leaving. It literally translates to 'saying until we see each other again,' implying a future meeting.
Key Examples
3 of 7Leaving a doctor's appointment
Ich muss dem Arzt noch Auf Wiedersehen sagen.
I still have to say goodbye to the doctor.
Ending a business meeting
Wir sagen höflich Auf Wiedersehen und gehen.
We say goodbye politely and leave.
Leaving a formal dinner party
Es ist spät, wir sollten jetzt Auf Wiedersehen sagen.
It is late, we should say goodbye now.
Cultural Background
Eye contact is essential when saying 'Auf Wiedersehen'. Looking away can be interpreted as being dishonest or dismissive. In the south, you will often hear 'Auf Wiederschauen' instead of 'Auf Wiedersehen'. It means the same thing but uses the regional preference for 'schauen' over 'sehen'. In the north, 'Tschüss' is used much more frequently even in semi-formal situations, but 'Auf Wiedersehen' remains the safest bet for strangers. Swiss German speakers often use 'Uf Wiederluege', which is their version of 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
The Shop Rule
Always say 'Auf Wiedersehen' when leaving a small shop, even if you didn't buy anything. It's a sign of respect.
Phone Faux Pas
Avoid 'Auf Wiedersehen' on the phone. It's the most common giveaway that you're a beginner.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard polite way to end a conversation or leave.
- Literally means 'to say until we see each other again'.
- Best for shops, offices, and people you don't know well.
What It Means
Think of this as the official way to leave. It is much more than just a single word. It is a polite social ritual for parting ways. You are telling someone that you are going now. It feels respectful, complete, and very German. The phrase suggests that this is not the final end. You expect to see the person again someday. It is the 'gold standard' for ending a conversation politely.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like 'to say goodbye'. It functions as a standard verb phrase in your sentences. In German, the verb sagen will change its form. For example, you might say Ich sage Auf Wiedersehen. If you are talking about the past, use gesagt. You can also use it with modal verbs. Ich muss jetzt Auf Wiedersehen sagen is a great exit line. It sounds soft but very clear.
When To Use It
Use this in almost any professional or public setting. It is perfect for the doctor's office or a bank. Use it when leaving a nice restaurant or shop. It works well with people you do not know personally. If you meet your boss's parents, use this phrase. It shows you have excellent manners and respect. It is the safest choice for any adult situation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it with your very best friends. It might sound a bit too stiff or cold. Imagine wearing a full tuxedo to a casual pizza party. That is how it feels with close friends. For them, Tschüss sagen is a much better choice. Also, do not use this phrase on the phone. On the phone, Germans say Auf Wiederhören sagen. This is because you hear them but cannot see them!
Cultural Background
Germans value a very clear beginning and a clear end. Leaving a room without saying anything is considered quite rude. We even have a specific term for a 'secret' exit. It is called a Polnischer Abgang or a 'Polish exit'. Most Germans prefer a proper, sometimes long, goodbye. You might even stand at the door for minutes. This phrase is the polite key to that door. It shows you value the time you just spent together.
Common Variations
Tschüss sagen is the casual, younger brother of this phrase. It is used everywhere in daily life among peers. In Southern Germany or Austria, you might hear Servus. In Northern Germany, people often just say Moin. Sich verabschieden is a more formal, academic way to say goodbye. However, Auf Wiedersehen sagen remains the most universally accepted version. It works from Berlin to Munich without any trouble.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to formal. Use it with strangers, authorities, and in business. Avoid it with family unless you are being intentionally dramatic or polite.
The Shop Rule
Always say 'Auf Wiedersehen' when leaving a small shop, even if you didn't buy anything. It's a sign of respect.
Phone Faux Pas
Avoid 'Auf Wiedersehen' on the phone. It's the most common giveaway that you're a beginner.
Regional Flavor
In the south, try 'Auf Wiederschauen' to sound like a local expert.
Eye Contact
Look the person in the eye for at least a second while saying it. It's the German way!
Examples
7Ich muss dem Arzt noch Auf Wiedersehen sagen.
I still have to say goodbye to the doctor.
A very common and expected courtesy in medical settings.
Wir sagen höflich Auf Wiedersehen und gehen.
We say goodbye politely and leave.
Shows the group is departing in an organized, respectful way.
Es ist spät, wir sollten jetzt Auf Wiedersehen sagen.
It is late, we should say goodbye now.
A polite way to signal the end of the evening.
Sag dem netten Mann Auf Wiedersehen!
Say goodbye to the nice man!
Parents often use this to teach children social etiquette.
Beim Verlassen des Ladens sagte sie freundlich Auf Wiedersehen.
When leaving the shop, she said goodbye in a friendly way.
Standard behavior in small German boutiques.
Ich wollte nicht gehen, ohne Auf Wiedersehen zu sagen.
I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye.
Adds emotional weight to a departure.
Können wir endlich Auf Wiedersehen sagen und Pizza essen?
Can we finally say goodbye and eat pizza?
Uses the formal phrase in a funny, impatient context.
Test Yourself
You are leaving a job interview. What do you say?
Das Gespräch ist zu Ende. Was sagen Sie?
In a formal setting like a job interview, 'Auf Wiedersehen' is the only appropriate choice.
Complete the sentence for a phone call.
Am Telefon sagt man nicht 'Auf Wiedersehen', sondern 'Auf ________'.
Since you only hear the person on the phone, you use 'hören' (to hear).
Match the goodbye to the person.
Match: 1. Beste Freundin, 2. Bankberater, 3. Mutter
Formal for the bank consultant, informal for friends and family.
Finish the dialogue in the bakery.
Verkäufer: 'Schönen Tag noch!' - Kunde: 'Danke, gleichfalls. ________!'
It is the standard polite response when leaving a shop.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal Goodbyes
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDas Gespräch ist zu Ende. Was sagen Sie?
In a formal setting like a job interview, 'Auf Wiedersehen' is the only appropriate choice.
Am Telefon sagt man nicht 'Auf Wiedersehen', sondern 'Auf ________'.
Since you only hear the person on the phone, you use 'hören' (to hear).
Match: 1. Beste Freundin, 2. Bankberater, 3. Mutter
Formal for the bank consultant, informal for friends and family.
Verkäufer: 'Schönen Tag noch!' - Kunde: 'Danke, gleichfalls. ________!'
It is the standard polite response when leaving a shop.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's perfectly fine and very polite. However, 'Tschüss' is also very common there.
Yes, dropping the 'Auf' is very common in casual, fast-paced environments like supermarkets.
'Adieu' is French in origin and used mostly in the West or Switzerland; it can sound a bit more old-fashioned or final.
Because it is a nominalized verb (a verb acting as a noun), and all nouns are capitalized in German.
Yes, but mostly in formal situations like job interviews or with older people.
Since you can see them, 'Auf Wiedersehen' is actually correct, though 'Tschüss' is common if the meeting was informal.
In this phrase, it is always written as one word: 'Wiedersehen'.
Always default to 'Auf Wiedersehen'. It's better to be too polite than too casual.
Not really, though some people might just say 'Wiederhören', it's less common than shortening 'Wiedersehen'.
Yes, but 'Gute Nacht' is better if you are going to bed, or 'Schönen Abend noch' if the evening is continuing.
Related Phrases
Tschüss sagen
similarTo say goodbye informally
Auf Wiederhören sagen
specialized formTo say goodbye on the phone
Sich verabschieden
synonymTo take one's leave
Lebewohl sagen
contrastTo say a final farewell
Bis bald sagen
similarTo say 'see you soon'
