Wiedersehen

/ˌviːdərˈzeɪən/ interjection

Definition

A German word and phrase meaning 'until we see each other again,' used as a formal goodbye similar to 'au revoir' in French.

Etymology

German compound word: 'wieder' (again) + 'sehen' (to see). The phrase 'auf Wiedersehen' literally translates to 'on the seeing again,' an elegant way of saying goodbye by invoking the future meeting.

Kelly Says

Many languages have beautiful layered goodbyes—'auf Wiedersehen' assumes you'll meet again (optimistic), 'au revoir' promises it ('until we see again'), while English 'goodbye' is literally 'God be with you'—each reveals the culture's philosophy about parting.

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