Meaning
A casual farewell, indicating a future meeting.
Cultural Background
In Germany, saying 'Bis bald' is a sign of a solid acquaintance. If a German says it, they usually genuinely expect to see you again soon. In Austria, you might hear 'Bussi' (little kiss) added to farewells among very close friends, but 'Bis bald' remains the standard neutral-informal choice. Northern Germans are known for being brief. A simple 'Bis dann' or 'Tschüss' might be more common than 'Bis bald' in passing.
The 'T' sound
Remember to pronounce the 'd' in 'bald' like a 't'. It's a key rule in German pronunciation!
Not for strangers
If you're at a government office or a bank, stick to 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
Meaning
A casual farewell, indicating a future meeting.
The 'T' sound
Remember to pronounce the 'd' in 'bald' like a 't'. It's a key rule in German pronunciation!
Not for strangers
If you're at a government office or a bank, stick to 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
Texting
In WhatsApp, you can just write 'Bis bald!' or even 'Bis baldi!' (very cute/informal).
Test Yourself
Complete the farewell.
Ich gehe jetzt nach Hause. Tschüss, bis ___!
'Bis bald' is the standard phrase for 'See you soon'.
Which phrase fits best?
You are leaving your best friend's house and will see them next week.
'Bis bald' is the perfect informal farewell for friends.
Finish the conversation.
A: Danke für den netten Abend! B: Gerne! ___ ___!
It completes the farewell naturally.
Select the most informal option.
How do you say goodbye to a close friend?
'Auf Wiedersehen' is formal; 'Guten Abend' is a greeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
German Farewells by Time
Timeframe
- • Bis gleich (Minutes)
- • Bis später (Hours)
- • Bis bald (Days/Weeks)
- • Bis morgen (Tomorrow)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch gehe jetzt nach Hause. Tschüss, bis ___!
'Bis bald' is the standard phrase for 'See you soon'.
You are leaving your best friend's house and will see them next week.
'Bis bald' is the perfect informal farewell for friends.
A: Danke für den netten Abend! B: Gerne! ___ ___!
It completes the farewell naturally.
How do you say goodbye to a close friend?
'Auf Wiedersehen' is formal; 'Guten Abend' is a greeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, if you have a friendly relationship with the person. If it's a first-time contact, use 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen'.
No, it is understood and used throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
'Bis bald' implies 'soon', while 'Bis dann' is more like 'See you at the time we agreed upon'.
Usually yes, if the teacher is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. If the teacher is very strict, use 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
No, 'early' is 'früh'. 'Bald' specifically means 'soon' in time.
No, 'Bis bald' is a fixed expression and never changes regardless of how many people you are talking to.
Related Phrases
Bis später!
similarSee you later (today)
Bis gleich!
similarSee you in a moment
Bis dann!
synonymSee you then
Auf Wiedersehen
contrastGoodbye (formal)
