Meaning
An informal farewell, expecting to meet again later.
Cultural Background
Germans often prefer clear endings to conversations. 'Bis dann' provides a definitive 'stop' to the current interaction while confirming the next one. In the North, you will frequently hear 'Bis denne' or even just 'Denne'. It's a sign of regional identity and casualness. In German texting culture, 'Bis dann' is often abbreviated to 'bd' or 'bis denne'. It is one of the most common ways to end a chat thread.
The 'Plan' Rule
Only use 'Bis dann' if there is a 'then' (a plan) to refer to.
Regional Flair
If you are in Berlin, try 'Bis denne' to sound like a local!
Meaning
An informal farewell, expecting to meet again later.
The 'Plan' Rule
Only use 'Bis dann' if there is a 'then' (a plan) to refer to.
Regional Flair
If you are in Berlin, try 'Bis denne' to sound like a local!
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wir treffen uns um 19 Uhr vor dem {das|n} Kino. B: Alles klar, ___ ___!
Since a specific time (19 Uhr) was mentioned, 'Bis dann' is the most natural response.
In which situation is 'Bis dann!' appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
'Bis dann!' is informal and implies a future meeting.
Match the German phrase to its English equivalent.
Match them up:
Each 'Bis' phrase has a specific temporal nuance.
What would you say?
Friend: 'Ich bin in fünf Minuten bei dir.' You: 'Super, ___!'
This confirms you will see them in the mentioned five minutes.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
German Farewell Options
Informal
- • Bis dann!
- • Tschüss!
- • Ciao!
Formal
- • Auf Wiedersehen
- • Einen schönen Tag noch
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: Wir treffen uns um 19 Uhr vor dem {das|n} Kino. B: Alles klar, ___ ___!
Since a specific time (19 Uhr) was mentioned, 'Bis dann' is the most natural response.
Choose the best scenario:
'Bis dann!' is informal and implies a future meeting.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each 'Bis' phrase has a specific temporal nuance.
Friend: 'Ich bin in fünf Minuten bei dir.' You: 'Super, ___!'
This confirms you will see them in the mentioned five minutes.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. Use it with people you are on a first-name basis with.
Yes, with colleagues you see every day. It's very common in German offices.
'Bis dann' implies a specific time is set. 'Bis bald' is for when you don't know exactly when you'll meet again.
You can simply say 'Bis dann!', 'Tschüss!', or 'Ja, bis dann!'.
Yes, it is understood and used everywhere, though regional variations like 'Bis denne' exist.
Only if the teacher has invited a casual atmosphere. Otherwise, stick to 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
Related Phrases
Bis bald
similarSee you soon
Bis später
similarSee you later
Bis gleich
similarSee you in a moment
