German For See You Soon

Ramnath Goenka

less than a minute read

·

16-07-2025

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Saying goodbye in German can be nuanced, depending on the context and your relationship with the person you're leaving. While there isn't a single perfect equivalent to the English "See you soon," several phrases effectively convey a similar sentiment. Choosing the right phrase depends on the formality of the situation and the anticipated time until your next meeting.

Formal Options

For formal situations, such as a business meeting or interaction with someone you don't know well, these phrases are appropriate:

• Auf Wiedersehen: This is the most common and formal way to say goodbye in German, literally translating to "until we see each other again." It's suitable for almost any formal setting and implies a less certain timeframe for your next meeting compared to the less formal options below.

• Bis bald: Meaning "until soon," this is a slightly less formal but still polite option for professional or semi-formal situations. It suggests a relatively short time before you see the person again.

Informal Options

When speaking with friends, family, or colleagues you know well, these informal options are perfect:

• Bis später: This translates to "until later" and is a common and casual way to say goodbye, implying a shorter period of time before your next encounter.

• Bis dann: Similar to "Bis später," this translates to "until then" and carries the same informal and casual tone, suggesting a relatively soon reunion.

• Tschüss: This is a very informal and common way to say goodbye, similar to "bye" in English. It's suitable only for very close friends or family.

Choosing the Right Phrase

The best phrase to use depends entirely on the context. Consider your relationship with the person you're saying goodbye to and your expectation of when you'll see them again. Using the wrong level of formality can feel awkward, so erring on the side of more formal is generally better when unsure. With practice, you'll quickly become comfortable using the appropriate phrase in any situation.