# auf

CEFR C2 · Interjection

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/auf
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a word used to say goodbye, usually as part of a longer German phrase. You might hear it in movies or read it in books when someone is leaving.

For teachers: a German preposition meaning 'on' or 'until', used in English primarily within the loan-phrase 'auf Wiedersehen'. Borrowed as a formulaic part of a parting salutation.

## Examples

- He waved and said 'auf Wiedersehen' as he left the room.
- The traveler offered a polite 'auf Wiedersehen' to the hotel staff before heading to the airport.

## Usage notes

- Almost exclusively used within the fixed expression 'auf Wiedersehen'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.