das
Wiedersehen
👀 What does 'das Wiedersehen' mean?
Das Wiedersehen (noun, neuter) refers to the act or event of seeing or meeting one or more persons again after a period of separation. It can refer to a planned meeting or a chance encounter.
The word is most commonly known from the farewell phrase "Auf Wiedersehen!", which literally means "To (a) seeing again!" and expresses the wish to see the person(s) again.
- Meaning 1: The act of seeing someone again after a separation (the reunion, the encounter).
- Meaning 2: (In the phrase 'Auf Wiedersehen') An expression of farewell with the hope of meeting again.
⚠️ It is a nominalized verb ('wieder sehen' - to see again).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
📚 Grammar of 'das Wiedersehen'
'Wiedersehen' is a noun and therefore capitalized. It is neuter, and the article is 'das'. It is mostly used in the singular.
Declension Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das Wiedersehen | ein Wiedersehen |
| Genitive | des Wiedersehens | eines Wiedersehens |
| Dative | dem Wiedersehen | einem Wiedersehen |
| Accusative | das Wiedersehen | ein Wiedersehen |
The plural ('die Wiedersehen') is very rare and hardly ever used. One would rather speak of 'mehrere Wiedersehen' (several reunions) or 'Zusammenkünfte' (gatherings).
✨ Example Sentences
- Nach langer Zeit gab es endlich ein freudiges Wiedersehen mit alten Freunden.
(After a long time, there was finally a joyful reunion with old friends.) - Das Wiedersehen am Bahnhof war sehr emotional.
(The reunion at the train station was very emotional.) - Wir freuen uns auf ein baldiges Wiedersehen.
(We look forward to seeing each other again soon.) - Er sagte nur kurz "Auf Wiedersehen" und ging.
(He just said a quick "Goodbye" and left.) - Trotz der Kürze des Wiedersehens war es ein schöner Moment.
(Despite the brevity of the reunion, it was a nice moment.)
💬 How is 'das Wiedersehen' used?
Das Wiedersehen is mainly used in two contexts:
- As a noun: Describes the event of meeting again. Often used with adjectives like 'freudig' (joyful), 'emotional' (emotional), 'kurz' (brief), 'lang ersehnt' (long-awaited). Example: Das Wiedersehen nach dem Urlaub war herzlich. (The reunion after the holiday was warm.)
- In the farewell phrase: "Auf Wiedersehen!" is a polite and common way to say goodbye. It implies the hope or expectation of meeting the person(s) again. In informal contexts, "Tschüss!" or "Ciao!" are often used. "Auf Wiedersehen" can sound more formal. A short form is "Wiedersehen!".
Distinction:
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article 'das': Think of a reunion as a special event. In German, many neuter nouns related to concepts or events use 'das', like 'das Ereignis' (the event). Visualizing the reunion as 'das große Ereignis' (the big event) can help you remember 'das Wiedersehen'.
Meaning: Break down the word: Wieder (again) + Sehen (to see). It literally means 'to see again'. This directly gives you the meaning 'reunion' or 'seeing again'.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Die Zusammenkunft: (The gathering/meeting) - More general term for a meeting.
- Das Treffen: (The meeting) - Very similar, but emphasizes the 'again' aspect less.
- Die Begegnung: (The encounter) - Can also be a first meeting, often by chance.
- Die Wiederkehr: (The return) - More about returning to a place, but can include seeing people again.
Related Terms:
- wiedersehen (verb): To see someone again/meet again. Ich hoffe, wir sehen uns bald wieder. (I hope we'll see each other again soon.)
- Auf Wiederhören: Goodbye (on the phone - literally 'to hearing again').
😄 A Little Joke
Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist die Mehrzahl von 'Auf Wiedersehen'?"
Fritzchen: "Massenabschied!"
Teacher: "Fritzchen, what's the plural of 'Auf Wiedersehen' (Goodbye)?"
Fritzchen: "Massenabschied! (Mass departure!)"
✍️ Poem about Wiedersehen
Die Zeit verging, der Tag kam ran,
ein Lächeln zieht mich in den Bann.
Nach langer Trennung, nun ganz nah,
das Wiedersehen, wie wunderbar!Ein Händedruck, ein warmer Blick,
bringt altes Glück zurück, Stück für Stück.
Time passed, the day drew near,
A smile casts a spell, holds me dear.
After long parting, now so close,
The reunion, how wonderfully it glows!
A handshake, a warm gaze you send,
Brings back old happiness, piece by piece, my friend.
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Wort, das Trennung kennt,
doch auf das Ende Hoffnung lenkt.
Man sagt mich oft, wenn man muss geh'n,
und hofft, den andern bald zu seh'n.
Als Substantiv, da brauch' ich 'das',
bin ich ein freudiger Anlass.
Was bin ich?
I am a word that knows separation,
But lends hope to the situation.
Often said when one must depart,
Hoping to see the other soon, right from the start.
As a noun, I require 'das',
I'm a joyful event, alas.
What am I?
(Solution: das Wiedersehen / Auf Wiedersehen)
🧩 Other Interesting Info
Word Composition:
'Das Wiedersehen' is a classic example of a nominalized verb combined with a prefix/adverb. It consists of:
- wieder: Adverb, meaning 'again', 'once more'.
- sehen: Verb, meaning 'to see', 'to meet'.
Together, 'wieder sehen' means 'to see/meet again', and the noun form 'das Wiedersehen' describes the act or event of doing so.
Cultural Significance: The phrase "Auf Wiedersehen" is deeply ingrained in German culture, expressing basic politeness and often a genuine hope of meeting again.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Wiedersehen?
The word "Wiedersehen" is a noun and takes the neuter article das: das Wiedersehen. It refers to the act of meeting people again after a separation and is a key part of the farewell phrase "Auf Wiedersehen!".