How to say "Goodbye" in German

In German-speaking cultures, the way you say goodbye depends heavily on the level of formality and familiarity with the person. Germans tend to distinguish clearly between formal and informal situations, and using the wrong level can come across as impolite or overly familiar. For absolute beginners, the safest approach is to default to formal language unless you’re explicitly invited to use informal forms by someone significantly younger or of equal age in a casual setting.

1. Formal or general use: Auf Wiedersehen This is the standard, neutral way to say goodbye in most situations—whether you’re leaving a shop, ending a business meeting, or parting ways with someone you’ve just met. It’s universally appropriate and carries no emotional weight beyond politeness.

• Auf Wiedersehen! Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag.
  Goodbye! I wish you a nice day.

• Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Schmidt. Bis morgen!
  Goodbye, Mr. Schmidt. See you tomorrow!

2. Informal or friendly use: Tschüss Use Tschüss with friends, peers, or people younger than you in casual contexts. It’s the German equivalent of “Bye!” or “See ya!” and is very common in everyday speech. Avoid using it with elders or in professional settings unless you have a close relationship.

• Tschüss, Lisa! Bis später!
  Bye, Lisa! See you later!

• Wir sehen uns morgen, Paul. Tschüss!
  See you tomorrow, Paul. Bye!

3. Casual and very informal: Ciao Ciao is borrowed from Italian and is widely used among young people and close friends. It’s extremely informal and should never be used in formal or professional contexts. It can sound playful or even dismissive if used with strangers or older individuals.

• Ciao, Leute! Bis dann!
  Bye, everyone! See you later!

• Ciao, Mama! Ich gehe jetzt.
  Bye, Mom! I’m going now.

4. Short and efficient: Wiedersehen In very casual speech, especially among friends, Wiedersehen (a shortened form of Auf Wiedersehen) is sometimes used. It’s friendly and informal, but less common than Tschüss or Ciao. It’s best reserved for contexts where you’re already using informal language.

• Wiedersehen, bis nächste Woche!
  See you next week!

• Wiedersehen, Klaus! Komm gut nach Hause.
  See you, Klaus! Drive home safely.

👉 Most useful for daily life: Start by memorizing Auf Wiedersehen—it’s the safest choice in almost any situation. Once you’re comfortable, add Tschüss for informal settings. Avoid Ciao and Wiedersehen until you’ve heard them used naturally by native speakers.