Abschied

/ˈap.ʃiːt/
farewell

Er nahm Abschied von seinen Freunden.

He said farewell to his friends.


formal

The act of leaving or departing, especially when saying goodbye to someone.

Nach dem Abschied von der Arbeit ging er direkt nach Hause.

After leaving work, he went straight home.

Sie nahm einen herzlichen Abschied von ihrer Familie.

She took a heartfelt farewell from her family.

Often used in emotional or formal contexts, such as ending a relationship, job, or journey.

formal

A formal or ceremonial goodbye, often marking the end of a significant event or period.

Der Abschied der Absolventen war ein bewegender Moment.

The graduates' farewell was a moving moment.

Common in academic or professional settings, such as graduations or retirements.

Collocations

Abschied nehmento say goodbyeeinen Abschied feiernto celebrate a farewellAbschied von etwas nehmento take leave of something

Related Phrases

Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Avoid using 'Abschied' as a verb. Instead, use *sich verabschieden* (to say goodbye) or *Abschied nehmen* (to take leave).

Gold Rule

When to Use 'Abschied'

Use 'Abschied' when referring to a formal, emotional, or significant goodbye—such as at the end of a job, a relationship, or a journey. For casual goodbyes, use *Tschüss* or *Auf Wiedersehen*.

Word Origin

From Middle High German *abeschiet* (departure, separation), derived from Old High German *abascīd* (separation, parting), related to *scheiden* (to separate). The prefix *ab-* (away) + *Schied* (separation, from *scheiden*).

Usage Notes

Used in both personal and formal contexts. In literature or poetry, it can carry a more emotional or nostalgic tone. The verb form *sich verabschieden* (to say goodbye) is more commonly used in everyday speech.

Word Breakdown

Ab-
away, off
prefix
+
-schied
separation, parting
root
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