Saying goodbye in German is a great way to show respect and connect with the native speakers of the language. Whether you’re saying goodbye to a friend or family member, or bidding farewell to a business partner, the proper German goodbye phrase is sure to make a great impression. The German language offers a variety of options for expressing goodbye, depending on the situation. Read on to learn the basics of how to say goodbye in German.
A Basic Goodbye in German: Auf Wiedersehen
The most common way to say goodbye in German is Auf Wiedersehen. This phrase is used in any situation where you’re leaving someone, whether it’s a friend, relative, or business partner. It directly translates to “until we meet again,” and is the perfect phrase to use when you don’t know when you’ll see the person again. It’s also a polite and friendly phrase that can be used in any situation. You can use it when saying goodbye to a large group, or as a more informal goodbye between friends.
Formal Goodbyes in German: Auf Wiederhören and Auf Wiederschauen
If the situation calls for a more formal goodbye in German, you can use the phrases Auf Wiederhören or Auf Wiederschauen. Auf Wiederhören translates to “until we hear each other again,” while Auf Wiederschauen translates to “until we see each other again.” These phrases are typically used when saying goodbye to a business associate or acquaintance you don’t expect to see again soon. They’re also a great way to express respect in a formal situation.
Informal Goodbyes in German: Tschüss and Ciao
If you’re saying goodbye to a friend or family member, you can use the more informal German phrases Tschüss and Ciao. Tschüss is the German equivalent of “bye,” and is used in any informal situation. Ciao is an Italian phrase that’s been adopted into the German language and is commonly used when saying goodbye to friends and family. Both of these phrases are great for showing warmth and affection when saying goodbye, and are perfect for any informal setting.
Saying Goodbye to a Large Group in German: Auf Wiedersehen Allerseits
When saying goodbye to a large group, it’s polite to use the phrase Auf Wiedersehen Allerseits. This phrase directly translates to “goodbye to everyone,” and is a great way to show respect to a large crowd. It’s also a great way to end a conversation or presentation, as it leaves everyone with a polite and respectful goodbye. It’s a great phrase to use in any situation where you need to say goodbye to a large group.
The Farewell Hug in German: Umarmung
In some cultures, it’s customary to hug when saying goodbye. In German, the word for hug is Umarmung. When saying goodbye to someone you’re close to, you can use this word to express your affection and closeness. It’s a great way to express your feelings and show that you care about the person you’re saying goodbye to. This phrase can also be used when saying goodbye to a group of people, if it’s appropriate for the situation.
The Goodbye Wave in German: Winken
If you’re saying goodbye to someone from a distance, you can use the word Winken in German. This word translates to “wave,” and is a great way to express your farewell to someone who’s too far away for a hug. It’s also a great way to express your farewell without having to shout across the room. Winken can be used in any situation where you need to say goodbye from a distance.
Conclusion
Learning how to say goodbye in German is a great way to show respect and connect with native speakers of the language. Whether you’re saying goodbye to a friend or family member, or bidding farewell to a business partner, the proper German goodbye phrase is sure to make a great impression. Remember that the most common phrase for saying goodbye is Auf Wiedersehen, while formal situations call for Auf Wiederhören or Auf Wiederschauen. For informal situations, Tschüss and Ciao are great options. Whether you’re saying goodbye to a large group or just one person, there’s a phrase in German to make the perfect impression.