Meaning
An informal farewell, wishing someone well.
Cultural Background
In Germany, 'Mach's gut' is often paired with a handshake or a brief hug (among close friends). It is a staple of 'Feierabend' (end of work) culture. While 'Mach's gut' is common, Austrians might use 'Pfiat di' (God protect you) in more traditional or rural settings, which carries a similar weight of well-wishing. Swiss German speakers often use 'Mach's guet' (the dialect version). It is used frequently in the same informal contexts as in Germany.
The 's' is key
Always include the 's'. 'Mach gut' sounds like you're a robot with a missing file.
Watch your boss
Unless your boss specifically asked to be called 'du', stick to 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
Meaning
An informal farewell, wishing someone well.
The 's' is key
Always include the 's'. 'Mach gut' sounds like you're a robot with a missing file.
Watch your boss
Unless your boss specifically asked to be called 'du', stick to 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
The Comeback
If a friend says 'Mach's gut', say 'Mach's besser' back to sound like a native.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part of the informal farewell.
Tschüss, ______ gut!
'Mach's' is the singular informal contraction of 'Mach es'.
Which phrase is most appropriate for leaving your best friend?
You are leaving your friend's house after a movie.
'Mach's gut!' is the perfect informal farewell for a friend.
Select the plural form of the phrase.
You are saying goodbye to three friends at once.
The plural imperative of 'machen' is 'macht'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Bis morgen! B: Ja, bis morgen. ________!
In a very casual context, all three could work, though 'Mach's gut' is the most standard.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Mach's gut!
Friends
- • Best friend
- • Classmate
- • Sibling
Family
- • Parents
- • Cousins
- • Grandparents (if informal)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTschüss, ______ gut!
'Mach's' is the singular informal contraction of 'Mach es'.
You are leaving your friend's house after a movie.
'Mach's gut!' is the perfect informal farewell for a friend.
You are saying goodbye to three friends at once.
The plural imperative of 'machen' is 'macht'.
A: Bis morgen! B: Ja, bis morgen. ________!
In a very casual context, all three could work, though 'Mach's gut' is the most standard.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is used and understood in all German-speaking countries, from Hamburg to Vienna.
Yes, but only in very informal emails to friends. For business, use 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen'.
It stands for 'es' (it). The full phrase is 'Mach es gut'.
It can be seen as disrespectful if you don't know them well. Use 'Einen schönen Tag' instead.
Technically 'Machen Sie es gut', but it's rarely used and sounds very dramatic.
Yes! Both the person leaving and the person staying can say 'Mach's gut'.
Related Phrases
Pass auf dich auf
similarTake care of yourself
Alles Gute
similarAll the best
Hau rein
slangGo for it / Peace out
Lass dich nicht unterkriegen
builds onDon't let it get you down
