how to say goodbye in german: 10 common phrases

2026-09-06

The most common ways to say goodbye in german are Auf Wiedersehen (goodbye, see you again), Tschüss (bye), and Bis später (see you later); this article shows you when to use each, gives ten ready‑to‑use examples, and provides a quick practice routine you can start now.

What are the most common ways to say goodbye in german?

German offers several farewell formulas that vary by formality and context. Below are the five most frequently heard expressions:

Auf Wiedersehen – “Goodbye, see you again.” Formal, suitable for business or strangers.
Tschüss – “Bye.” Casual, used among friends and colleagues.
Bis bald – “See you soon.” Friendly, implies a near‑future meeting.
Bis später – “See you later.” Neutral, works for any informal setting.
Mach's gut – “Take care.” Very informal, often heard in Southern Germany and Austria.

For a broader list of everyday phrases, check out our free phrase collection, which includes these farewells and many more.

Which goodbye phrases are appropriate for different situations?

Choosing the right farewell depends on who you’re speaking to and where you are. Here are three typical scenarios:

Business meeting: Use Auf Wiedersehen or Auf Wiederhören (goodbye over the phone). Example: Auf Wiedersehen, Frau Schmidt – “Goodbye, Ms. Schmidt.”
Casual coffee with a friend: Tschüss or Bis später works best. Example: Tschüss, bis später! – “Bye, see you later!”
Leaving a social event: Mach's gut adds a friendly, caring tone. Example: Mach's gut, wir sehen uns morgen – “Take care, see you tomorrow.”

Listening to native speakers on our listen‑and‑repeat tool helps you hear the natural intonation of each farewell.

How can I use goodbye expressions correctly? 3 simple rules

To avoid sounding stiff or overly familiar, follow these three guidelines:

Match the formality level: Use Auf Wiedersehen in formal contexts and Tschüss with peers.
Consider the time of day: In the evening, you might add Gute Nacht (good night) after the farewell.
Pair with a short wish: Adding schönes Wochenende (have a nice weekend) or gute Reise (have a good trip) makes the goodbye feel complete.

Practice these rules with our Word of the Day feature, which often highlights useful adverbs you can attach to farewells.

Practice routine: 5 steps to master German farewells today

Write each farewell on a flashcard. On the back, write the English translation and a short situational note.
Record yourself saying the phrase aloud, then compare with the native audio on Repeat.
Use the phrase in a real‑life mini‑dialogue: e.g., call a language partner and end the conversation with Bis später.
Review the flashcards daily for one week, shuffling the order each time.
Test yourself with a quick quiz on the Minimal Pairs tool, focusing on the vowel sounds in Tschüss vs Danke.

Following this routine for just ten minutes a day builds muscle memory for natural goodbyes.

How to practise goodbye phrases with German Buddy

German Buddy lets you write or speak farewell sentences and receive instant, gentle corrections. Choose the “Conversation” mode, select a role‑play scene like “Leaving a coffee shop,” and practice saying Auf Wiedersehen, bis bald. The app highlights any unnatural phrasing and offers a short tip, so you improve faster. Remember, new accounts get 7 days of unlimited practice, then a free daily allowance that never runs out. start practising free.

FAQ

Can I use “Tschüss” in a formal email?

No. In formal written communication, stick to Mit freundlichen Grüßen (kind regards) or end with Auf Wiedersehen if you need a verbal farewell.

Is “Bis später” appropriate for saying goodbye at night?

It works, but many Germans prefer Gute Nacht after Bis später when it’s late, to wish a good night.

Do regional dialects affect goodbye phrases?

Yes. In Austria, you’ll hear Servus for both hello and goodbye, while in Bavaria Pfiat di is common. These are informal and best saved for friends.

How many goodbye expressions should I learn first?

Start with the five listed above; they cover virtually every everyday situation. Expand later with regional variants once you feel comfortable.