German Phrase
Bis später.
Meaning
This phrase is a standard German farewell used when you expect to see the person again later the same day. It literally translates to 'until later' and functions as a casual yet polite way to part ways temporarily. It implies a high degree of certainty that a second encounter will occur soon.
When to use
Use this phrase when leaving a friend, family member, or colleague whom you plan to see again within a few hours. It is ideal for office breaks, running errands, or split social engagements.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Bisspäter
Bis
A preposition meaning 'until', used to mark a temporal end point or a deadline.
später
The comparative form of the adjective 'spät' (late), used here as an adverb meaning 'later'.
🗨In Conversation
Ich gehe jetzt kurz zum Bäcker.
I'm just going to the bakery for a moment.
Alles klar, bis später!
All right, see you later!
✕Common Mistakes
Bis bald später.
Avoid combining 'bald' (soon) and 'später' (later); use one or the other depending on the timeframe.
Auf später.
While 'Auf Wiedersehen' is correct, time-based departures in German almost always use the preposition 'bis'.
↔Alternatives
Bis gleich.
See you in a bit (very soon).
Bis dann.
See you then.
Bis bald.
See you soon.
Cultural Tip
In German culture, 'Bis später' is quite specific; it usually implies you will see the person again on the same day. If the next meeting is unscheduled or further in the future, 'Bis bald' is the more appropriate choice. In very formal settings, 'Auf Wiedersehen' remains the gold standard, but 'Bis später' is widely accepted in modern workplaces.