Learning how to say goodbye in German isn’t just about words. It’s about connecting with the culture. As we go through these 28 classic ways to say goodbye, you’ll see how each fits a specific situation. This isn’t just about expanding your vocabulary. It’s about understanding the deeper values and norms of the culture. Knowing these phrases is crucial for everyday conversations.
28 Classic Ways to Say Goodbye in German
| German Phrase | English Translation |
| Auf Wiedersehen | Goodbye (formal) |
| Tschüss | Bye (informal) |
| Bis bald | See you soon |
| Bis später | See you later |
| Ciao | Bye (borrowed from Italian) |
| Mach’s gut | Take care |
| Bis dann | Until then |
| Auf Wiederhören | Goodbye (on the phone) |
| Adieu | Farewell (formal) |
| Servus | Bye (Southern German/Austrian) |
| Tschau | Bye (informal variant of Ciao) |
| Leb wohl | Farewell (very formal) |
| Bis zum nächsten Mal | Until next time |
| Schönen Tag noch | Have a nice day |
| Gute Nacht | Good night |
| Ich muss los | I have to go |
| Man sieht sich | See you around |
| Bis morgen | See you tomorrow |
| Schönes Wochenende | Have a nice weekend |
| Wir sehen uns | We’ll see each other |
| Pass auf dich auf | Take care of yourself |
| Alles Gute | All the best |
| Machs gut | Take care (informal) |
| Bis gleich | See you in a moment |
| Pfiat di | Goodbye (Bavarian dialect) |
| Ade | Bye (Southern German) |
| Schönen Abend noch | Have a nice evening |
| Tschüssikowski | Bye-bye (playful) |
Conclusion
To wrap up, the variety of ways to say goodbye in German enriches how people talk to each other. It also reflects the unique culture and social settings of the language. Knowing these phrases well can improve your conversations, whether they’re casual or formal. You’ll connect better with German speakers as you start using these goodbyes. It shows you respect and understands their culture, which is essential in everyday interactions.
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Katrin Steck, a native German speaker, is a full-time content writer at the Translation Blog. A graduate of the University of Montana, Katrin brings a blend of international academic experience and linguistic expertise to the team. She manages all the German content on the blog, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance in every piece she writes. Her dedication and proficiency make her an integral part of our team.