Auf Wiedersehen!
[owf VEE-der-zay-en]
Goodbye! (formal)
Literal gloss:“Upon again-seeing!”
When to use:Used with strangers, service staff, officials, doctors, and colleagues you address as Sie.
Word-by-Word Structure
| German | Meaning | Grammar Note |
|---|---|---|
| Auf | until / upon | — |
| Wiedersehen | seeing again | Nominalized verb, always capitalized |
Across Germany, Austria & Switzerland (DACH)
Germany (DE)
Auf Wiedersehen / Tschüss
Austria (AT)
Auf Wiederschauen / Pfiat Gott
Switzerland (CH)
Uf Wiederluege / Adieu
In Austria "Auf Wiederschauen" is warmer and very common in shops; in Switzerland "Uf Wiederluege" is standard.
Example Sentences in Context
Leaving an office or shop
Vielen Dank für das Gespräch. Auf Wiedersehen!
Thank you very much for the conversation. Goodbye!
Ending a business phone call
Auf Wiederhören, Frau Sommer!
Goodbye (on the phone), Ms. Sommer!
Natural Alternatives
- Auf Wiederhören!Formal (Sie)
Used exclusively on phone calls
- Schönen Tag noch!Neutral
Warm everyday farewell in shops and cafés
Common Replies You Will Hear
- Auf Wiedersehen, kommen Sie gut nach Hause!Formal (Sie)
Goodbye, get home safely!