Auf Wiedersehen
Auf Wiedersehen em 30 segundos
- Auf Wiedersehen is the primary formal farewell in German, essential for professional settings, retail interactions, and speaking with strangers or elders using 'Sie'.
- The phrase literally translates to 'until seeing again', emphasizing a polite expectation of future contact while maintaining a respectful social distance between speakers.
- It should be avoided in informal settings with friends (where 'Tschüss' is preferred) and replaced by 'Auf Wiederhören' during voice-only telephone conversations.
- Correct spelling requires a capital 'W' and 'ie' in 'Wieder', distinguishing it from 'wider' (against), and it is often paired with well-wishes.
The German interjection Auf Wiedersehen is the quintessential formal farewell in the German-speaking world. Etymologically, it is a compound construction consisting of the preposition 'auf' (here meaning 'until' or 'towards'), the adverb 'wieder' (again), and the nominalized verb 'Sehen' (seeing). Literally translated as 'Until we see each other again,' it carries a weight of politeness and social distance that is characteristic of formal German interactions. Unlike the casual 'Tschüss,' which is ubiquitous among friends and family, 'Auf Wiedersehen' establishes a professional or respectful boundary. It is the standard closing for business meetings, interactions with authorities, and conversations with strangers or elders whom one addresses with the formal 'Sie'.
- Literal Meaning
- Until seeing again (Auf + Wieder + Sehen)
- Register
- Formal / Professional / Respectful
- Grammatical Category
- Interjection / Formulaic Expression
In the hierarchy of German partings, this phrase sits at the top. It implies a certain level of decorum. When you walk into a bakery in a small German village, you might say 'Guten Tag' upon entry and 'Auf Wiedersehen' upon exit. While 'Tschüss' has gained significant ground in urban centers and among younger generations even in semi-formal settings, 'Auf Wiedersehen' remains the safe, 'gold standard' choice for any learner who wishes to avoid appearing overly familiar. It is a linguistic handshake—firm, clear, and universally understood across all German dialects, from the northern coasts of Schleswig-Holstein to the alpine regions of Bavaria and Austria.
"Vielen Dank für das Gespräch, Herr Müller. Auf Wiedersehen!"
Furthermore, the phrase reflects a cultural nuance regarding the expectation of future contact. Even if the speakers do not actually expect to meet again, the formulaic use of 'Wiedersehen' maintains the social fiction of a continuous relationship. It is less final than 'Lebewohl' (Farewell/Live well), which often implies a permanent parting. In a modern context, using 'Auf Wiedersehen' signals that you respect the social hierarchy and the formal 'Sie' relationship established during the conversation. It is the verbal equivalent of a slight nod or a polite smile as one departs a room.
"Es war mir ein Vergnügen. Auf Wiedersehen."
- Social Context
- Used when leaving a shop, office, or formal gathering.
- Frequency
- Extremely high in formal and semi-formal contexts.
Using Auf Wiedersehen correctly involves understanding both timing and intonation. It is almost exclusively used at the very end of an interaction, often accompanied by a physical movement toward the exit or a concluding gesture. Unlike 'Guten Tag,' which can be woven into sentences, 'Auf Wiedersehen' usually stands alone as a complete utterance. You don't typically say 'Ich sage Auf Wiedersehen'; you simply say the phrase. It is the final punctuation mark of a social encounter.
- Intonation Pattern
- A falling pitch on the final syllable '-hen' indicates finality and politeness.
- Physical Cues
- Often paired with a handshake in business or a polite nod in retail.
One of the most important rules for learners is the distinction between face-to-face and telephone communication. Because 'Wiedersehen' literally refers to 'seeing' someone, it is technically incorrect to use it on the phone. Instead, Germans use 'Auf Wiederhören' (Until hearing again). However, in the age of video calls (Zoom, Teams), 'Auf Wiedersehen' has made a comeback in digital spaces because you can actually see the person. If you are on a standard voice-only call, stick to 'Auf Wiederhören' to sound like a native speaker.
"Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag. Auf Wiedersehen."
In terms of sentence structure, 'Auf Wiedersehen' is frequently preceded by a well-wish. Common precursors include 'Einen schönen Tag noch' (Have a nice day still) or 'Schönes Wochenende' (Have a nice weekend). The response to 'Auf Wiedersehen' is almost always the same phrase back, or a variation like 'Wiedersehen!' (shortened) or 'Ebenfalls, auf Wiedersehen' (Likewise, goodbye). It is a reciprocal linguistic ritual that ensures both parties acknowledge the end of the interaction.
"Alles Gute für Sie. Auf Wiedersehen."
You will encounter Auf Wiedersehen in a variety of structured environments. Its primary home is the world of commerce and bureaucracy. When you finish paying for groceries at a supermarket (especially if the cashier is older or the environment is conservative), when you leave a doctor's waiting room, or when you exit a government office (Bürgeramt), this is the phrase you will hear. It provides a professional 'buffer' that 'Tschüss' sometimes lacks.
- Retail
- Bakeries, boutiques, and supermarkets.
- Professional
- Law offices, medical practices, and corporate headquarters.
- Media
- News anchors at the end of a broadcast.
In the media, 'Auf Wiedersehen' is the standard sign-off for news programs like the 'Tagesschau'. The anchor will look directly into the camera and say, 'Ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Abend, auf Wiedersehen.' This reinforces the phrase's status as the formal standard for the entire nation. Similarly, in films or television dramas, characters will use it to signal a formal departure or, occasionally, to create a sense of coldness or distance between characters who might otherwise be expected to be more informal.
"Das war das Nachtjournal. Wir wünschen eine gute Nacht. Auf Wiedersehen."
Interestingly, while 'Tschüss' is dominant in Northern Germany, 'Auf Wiedersehen' remains a neutral ground that works everywhere. In the South, you might hear 'Servus' or 'Ade,' but even there, 'Auf Wiedersehen' is never wrong. It is the 'High German' (Hochdeutsch) standard that bridges regional gaps. If you are traveling through different Bundesländer, using this phrase ensures you are always polite and never accidentally offensive by being too casual.
"Beehren Sie uns bald wieder. Auf Wiedersehen."
The most frequent mistake learners make with Auf Wiedersehen is using it in the wrong social context. Using it with a close friend or a romantic partner can sound incredibly strange—almost as if you are trying to break up or create a sudden, cold distance. It is too stiff for the dinner table or a night out with peers. Conversely, using 'Tschüss' with a 70-year-old professor or a high-ranking business executive might be seen as 'distanzlos' (lacking proper distance/respect).
- The Phone Trap
- Using 'Wiedersehen' instead of 'Wiederhören' on a voice call.
- Spelling Error
- Writing 'widersehen' (with 'i' instead of 'ie'). 'Wider' means against, 'Wieder' means again.
Another common error is the pronunciation of 'Wiedersehen'. Learners often over-emphasize the 'r' or fail to treat 'Wieder' and 'sehen' as a single conceptual unit. The 'v' sound (written as 'W') must be crisp, and the 'h' in 'sehen' is silent, serving only to lengthen the preceding 'e'. Furthermore, some learners forget to capitalize 'Wiedersehen' when writing it. In German, nominalized verbs (verbs turned into nouns) are always capitalized.
Incorrect: "Auf widersehen" (Spelling and Capitalization)
Correct: "Auf Wiedersehen"
Finally, there is the 'over-formality' trap. In modern Berlin or Hamburg, saying 'Auf Wiedersehen' to a young barista in a trendy coffee shop might make you sound like a time traveler from the 1950s. In these contexts, 'Tschüss' or 'Schönen Tag noch' is much more appropriate. The key is to match the energy of the person you are talking to. If they greeted you with 'Hallo' instead of 'Guten Tag,' they will likely expect a 'Tschüss' when you leave.
"Ich muss jetzt gehen. Auf Wiedersehen!" (Properly used in a formal setting)
Understanding Auf Wiedersehen requires looking at its synonyms and regional cousins. The most common alternative is Tschüss, which is the standard informal goodbye. It is derived from the French 'Adieu' (via 'Adjüs'), though most Germans don't realize this. While 'Auf Wiedersehen' is for the office, 'Tschüss' is for the street. In Northern Germany, you might also hear 'Tschüssi,' which is even more diminutive and informal.
- Tschüss
- The informal standard, used with friends and family.
- Auf Wiederhören
- The telephone-specific version of 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
- Bis bald / Bis später
- See you soon / See you later. Used when you know you will meet again shortly.
In Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Servus and Ade are very common. 'Servus' is fascinating because it can mean both 'hello' and 'goodbye.' It comes from the Latin for 'servant,' implying 'I am your servant.' 'Ade' is a shortened form of 'Adieu.' In Switzerland, you will frequently hear 'Uf Wiederluege,' which is the Swiss German equivalent of 'Auf Wiedersehen' (luege = sehen/look).
"Bis zum nächsten Mal! Auf Wiedersehen."
For more specific contexts, you might use 'Schönen Feierabend' (Have a nice evening after work) when leaving colleagues, or 'Gute Reise' (Have a good trip) if someone is departing. However, 'Auf Wiedersehen' remains the most versatile formal anchor. It is the root from which all other formal partings grow. Even 'Ciao,' borrowed from Italian, is widely used in Germany, but it occupies the same informal space as 'Tschüss' and should never replace 'Auf Wiedersehen' in a formal interview or legal setting.
"Machen Sie es gut. Auf Wiedersehen."
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Nominalization of verbs
Prepositions with Accusative
Formal vs Informal address
Exemplos por nível
Auf Wiedersehen, Frau Müller!
Goodbye, Mrs. Müller!
Formal address with 'Frau'.
Danke, auf Wiedersehen!
Thank you, goodbye!
Common combination with 'Danke'.
Auf Wiedersehen und einen schönen Tag!
Goodbye and a nice day!
Adding a well-wish.
Guten Tag... und auf Wiedersehen.
Good day... and goodbye.
The two bookends of a formal meeting.
Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Schmidt.
Goodbye, Mr. Schmidt.
Formal address with 'Herr'.
Tschüss? Nein, auf Wiedersehen!
Bye? No, goodbye (formal)!
Distinguishing registers.
Auf Wiedersehen im Kurs.
Goodbye (see you) in the course.
Contextual use.
Alle sagen: Auf Wiedersehen.
Everyone says: Goodbye.
Plural context.
Auf Wiedersehen, bis nächste Woche.
Goodbye, until next week.
Combining with 'bis'.
Ich muss gehen, auf Wiedersehen.
I must go, goodbye.
Modal verb 'müssen'.
Auf Wiedersehen, kommen Sie gut nach Hause.
Goodbye, get home safely.
Imperative formal 'Sie'.
Vielen Dank für die Hilfe, auf Wiedersehen.
Many thanks for the help, goodbye.
Expressing gratitude.
Wir sagen jetzt auf Wiedersehen.
We are saying goodbye now.
Present tense 'sagen'.
Auf Wiedersehen, hoffentlich bis bald.
Goodbye, hopefully see you soon.
Adverb 'hoffentlich'.
Einen Moment, auf Wiedersehen!
One moment, goodbye!
Interjection use.
Auf Wiedersehen, Frau Doktor.
Goodbye, doctor.
Title usage.
Ich verabschiede mich, auf Wiedersehen.
I take my leave, goodbye.
Reflexive verb 'sich verabschieden'.
Auf Wiedersehen, es war mir ein Vergnügen.
Goodbye, it was a pleasure.
Präteritum of 'sein'.
Wir verbleiben mit einem freundlichen Auf Wiedersehen.
We remain with a friendly goodbye.
Formal 'verbleiben'.
Auf Wiedersehen, grüßen Sie Ihre Frau von mir.
Goodbye, give my regards to your wife.
Formal imperative 'grüßen'.
Wiedersehen! (shortened version)
Bye! (Formal but quick)
Ellipsis of 'Auf'.
Auf Wiedersehen, bis zum nächsten Mal im Büro.
Goodbye, until next time in the office.
Prepositional phrase.
Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute, auf Wiedersehen.
I wish you all the best, goodbye.
Dative 'Ihnen'.
Auf Wiedersehen, passen Sie auf sich auf.
Goodbye, take care of yourself.
Reflexive imperative.
Lassen Sie uns für heute Auf Wiedersehen sagen.
Let us say goodbye for today.
Lassen + infinitive.
Ein förmliches Auf Wiedersehen ist hier angebracht.
A formal goodbye is appropriate here.
Adjective 'angebracht'.
Trotz der Differenzen sagten sie höflich Auf Wiedersehen.
Despite the differences, they said goodbye politely.
Genitive preposition 'trotz'.
Auf Wiedersehen, wir hören voneinander.
Goodbye, we'll be in touch.
Reciprocal 'voneinander'.
Mit einem knappen Auf Wiedersehen verließ er den Raum.
With a brief goodbye, he left the room.
Dative with 'mit'.
Auf Wiedersehen, beehren Sie uns bald wieder.
Goodbye, please grace us with your presence again soon.
Elevated vocabulary 'beehren'.
Das obligatorische Auf Wiedersehen am Ende der Sendung.
The obligatory goodbye at the end of the broadcast.
Nominalized use.
Auf Wiedersehen, ich freue mich auf unser nächstes Treffen.
Goodbye, I look forward to our next meeting.
Prepositional object 'auf'.
Ein Auf Wiedersehen impliziert die Hoffnung auf eine Rückkehr.
An 'Auf Wiedersehen' implies the hope of a return.
Complex sentence structure.
Er entgegnete nur ein kühles Auf Wiedersehen.
He only replied with a cool goodbye.
Verb 'entgegnen'.
Jedes Auf Wiedersehen ist auch ein kleiner Abschied.
Every goodbye is also a small parting.
Metaphorical usage.
Auf Wiedersehen, mögen sich unsere Wege erneut kreuzen.
Goodbye, may our paths cross again.
Subjunctive/Optative mood.
Ohne ein Wort des Auf Wiedersehens verschwand sie.
Without a word of goodbye, she disappeared.
Genitive nominalization.
Das Auf Wiedersehen klang in den leeren Fluren nach.
The goodbye echoed in the empty hallways.
Separable verb 'nachklingen'.
Auf Wiedersehen, bis die Zeit uns wieder zusammenführt.
Goodbye, until time brings us together again.
Poetic structure.
Ein flüchtiges Auf Wiedersehen reichte ihm nicht aus.
A fleeting goodbye was not enough for him.
Separable verb 'ausreichen'.
Die Semantik des 'Auf Wiedersehens' ist tief in der deutschen Höflichkeitskultur verwurzelt.
The semantics of 'Auf Wiedersehen' are deeply rooted in German politeness culture.
Academic register.
In seinem Werk thematisiert er das Auf Wiedersehen als existenzielles Motiv.
In his work, he themes the goodbye as an existential motif.
Literary analysis.
Auf Wiedersehen – ein Wort, das die Endlichkeit und die Hoffnung zugleich fasst.
Goodbye – a word that captures both finitude and hope.
Rhetorical fragment.
Die klangliche Ästhetik des Auf Wiedersehens wird oft unterschätzt.
The sonic aesthetics of 'Auf Wiedersehen' are often underestimated.
Passive voice.
Ein Auf Wiedersehen, das wie ein Versprechen in der Luft hing.
A goodbye that hung in the air like a promise.
Simile usage.
Er perfektionierte das artifizielle Auf Wiedersehen der Diplomatie.
He perfected the artificial goodbye of diplomacy.
Sophisticated adjectives.
Auf Wiedersehen, in der Gewissheit, dass nichts bleibt, wie es war.
Goodbye, in the certainty that nothing remains as it was.
Prepositional phrase with 'Gewissheit'.
Das paradoxe Auf Wiedersehen eines Abschieds für immer.
The paradoxical goodbye of a farewell forever.
Oxymoron/Paradox.
Sinônimos
Antônimos
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Padrões de frases
Família de palavras
Relacionado
Como usar
Use Auf Wiederhören.
Auf Wiedersehen is okay.
- Using it on the phone.
- Spelling it 'widersehen'.
- Using it with best friends.
- Not capitalizing the 'W'.
- Pronouncing the 'h' like in 'house'.
Dicas
The 'Sie' Rule
If you address someone as 'Sie', always use 'Auf Wiedersehen'. This consistency is key to German etiquette. It avoids confusing social signals. It maintains the professional boundary you've established.
The Silent H
Don't pronounce the 'h' in 'sehen'. It only serves to lengthen the 'e'. Think of it as a long 'ee' sound. This is a common mistake for English speakers. Keep it smooth and long.
Telephone Etiquette
Switch to 'Auf Wiederhören' on the phone. It shows a high level of German mastery. It reflects the literal reality of the medium. People will be impressed by your attention to detail.
Wieder vs Wider
Always use 'ie' for 'again'. 'Wider' without the 'e' means 'against'. This is a common spelling trap. Remember: 'Wieder' = Repeat/Again. 'Wider' = Resistance.
Regional Flexibility
In the South, you'll hear 'Ade' or 'Servus'. You can use 'Auf Wiedersehen' anyway; it's never wrong. It's the 'High German' safety net. It works from Hamburg to Zurich.
The Quick Version
In a rush? Just say 'Wiedersehen!'. It's common in shops and cafes. It's still polite but faster. It sounds very natural in a busy city.
Add a Wish
Pair it with 'Schönen Tag noch'. It makes the parting sound warmer. It's the standard way to end a retail interaction. It shows you're not just following a script.
Falling Pitch
Let your voice drop at the end. A rising pitch can sound like a question. A falling pitch sounds certain and polite. It signals the definitive end of the talk.
Nod or Shake
A small nod often accompanies the phrase. In business, a handshake is common. Match the physical gesture to the formality of the words. It completes the social ritual.
The 'Tschüss' Transition
Wait for the other person to use 'Tschüss' first. Especially if they are older or higher ranking. It's safer to be too formal than too casual. Let them set the tone for informality.
Memorize
Origem da palavra
Germanic
Contexto cultural
Always use this in interviews until offered the 'Du'.
In Switzerland, 'Uf Wiederluege' is the local equivalent.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"Darf ich mich verabschieden? Auf Wiedersehen."
"Es war nett, Sie kennenzulernen. Auf Wiedersehen."
Temas para diário
When did you first use 'Auf Wiedersehen' in a real conversation?
How does 'Auf Wiedersehen' feel different from 'Goodbye'?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it sounds too formal and cold. Use 'Tschüss' or 'Bis bald' instead. Friends might think you are joking or being sarcastic. It creates an unnecessary social distance. Stick to informal partings for people you know well.
It is always 'Wiedersehen' with an 'ie'. 'Wieder' means 'again', while 'wider' means 'against'. Using the wrong one changes the meaning entirely. Also, remember to capitalize the 'W'. This is a very common spelling mistake for learners.
On the phone, you should say 'Auf Wiederhören'. This literally means 'until hearing again'. Since you can't see the person, 'Wiedersehen' is technically incorrect. However, on video calls like Zoom, 'Auf Wiedersehen' is perfectly fine. Native speakers will notice and appreciate the correct use of 'Wiederhören'.
Yes, shortening it to 'Wiedersehen' is common. It is slightly less formal than the full phrase but still polite. You will often hear this in shops or busy environments. It sounds natural and efficient. However, in a very formal meeting, use the full 'Auf Wiedersehen'.
Yes, it is the standard formal goodbye in Austria. While you might also hear 'Ade' or 'Servus', 'Auf Wiedersehen' is universally accepted. It is the safe choice for any formal situation in Vienna or elsewhere. It is considered very polite and correct. You will hear it in all official and professional contexts.
The most common response is to say 'Auf Wiedersehen' back. You can also say 'Wiedersehen!' or 'Ebenfalls, auf Wiedersehen'. If they added a well-wish like 'Schönen Tag', you should say 'Danke, gleichfalls'. It is a simple reciprocal ritual. You don't need to overthink the response.
Yes, it is highly recommended. It shows respect and proper upbringing. Older Germans often value the formal 'Sie' and formal partings. It is the best way to make a good impression. Using 'Tschüss' might be seen as slightly disrespectful depending on the person. When in doubt, go with the formal version.
The 'h' in 'sehen' is silent. It is a 'Dehnungs-h', which means its only job is to make the vowel before it ('e') longer. You don't breathe out or make a sound for the 'h'. Just pronounce a long, clear 'e'. It sounds like 'ze-en'. Practice the long vowel sound for a native-like accent.
It is too formal for family, close friends, and often colleagues you see every day. In a modern, casual office, 'Tschüss' is often the norm. If everyone else is saying 'Tschüss', you can too. Pay attention to the 'Du' vs 'Sie' dynamic. If you use 'Du', 'Auf Wiedersehen' is usually too stiff.
No, it is rarely used in written emails. The standard formal closing for an email is 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen'. 'Auf Wiedersehen' is a spoken interjection. You might see it in a very informal note, but for professional correspondence, stick to the standard written formulas. It is specifically for face-to-face or visual interactions.
Teste-se 180 perguntas
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Summary
Mastering 'Auf Wiedersehen' is more than learning a word; it is about understanding the German 'Distanzkultur'. It allows you to navigate formal society with confidence, ensuring you always leave a polite and professional impression in any DACH-region context.
- Auf Wiedersehen is the primary formal farewell in German, essential for professional settings, retail interactions, and speaking with strangers or elders using 'Sie'.
- The phrase literally translates to 'until seeing again', emphasizing a polite expectation of future contact while maintaining a respectful social distance between speakers.
- It should be avoided in informal settings with friends (where 'Tschüss' is preferred) and replaced by 'Auf Wiederhören' during voice-only telephone conversations.
- Correct spelling requires a capital 'W' and 'ie' in 'Wieder', distinguishing it from 'wider' (against), and it is often paired with well-wishes.
The 'Sie' Rule
If you address someone as 'Sie', always use 'Auf Wiedersehen'. This consistency is key to German etiquette. It avoids confusing social signals. It maintains the professional boundary you've established.
The Silent H
Don't pronounce the 'h' in 'sehen'. It only serves to lengthen the 'e'. Think of it as a long 'ee' sound. This is a common mistake for English speakers. Keep it smooth and long.
Telephone Etiquette
Switch to 'Auf Wiederhören' on the phone. It shows a high level of German mastery. It reflects the literal reality of the medium. People will be impressed by your attention to detail.
Wieder vs Wider
Always use 'ie' for 'again'. 'Wider' without the 'e' means 'against'. This is a common spelling trap. Remember: 'Wieder' = Repeat/Again. 'Wider' = Resistance.
Exemplo
Auf Wiedersehen, bis morgen!
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