TL;DR
- The most common way to say goodbye in Dutch is “Tot ziens” — meaning “see you.”
- For casual settings, say “Doei” (bye) or “Dag” (hi/bye).
- Use “Tot straks,” “Tot morgen,” and “Tot snel” to say “see you soon.”
- In formal contexts, “Vaarwel” is used, though it’s rare in daily life.
- Regional expressions like “Houdoe” in Brabant or “Aju paraplu” add fun local flair.
How Do You Say Goodbye in Dutch?
The most common word for goodbye in Dutch is “Tot ziens”, pronounced toht zeens.
It literally means “until we see (each other) again,” and it fits nearly every situation — polite, neutral, and friendly.
It’s similar to saying “See you later” in English — polite but not overly formal.
However, there are many ways to say goodbye in Dutch depending on tone, familiarity, and time of day.
Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Dutch
Let’s start with the most-used farewells you’ll hear daily in the Netherlands.
| Dutch Phrase | Pronunciation | English Equivalent | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tot ziens | toht zeens | Goodbye / See you | Neutral, everyday use |
| Doei | doy | Bye | Informal, friendly |
| Dag | dakh | Bye / Hello | Casual and polite |
| Tot later | toht lah-ter | See you later | Informal |
| Vaarwel | fahr-vel | Farewell | Very formal or emotional goodbye |
✅ Usage Tips
- Tot ziens – ideal for shops, offices, and polite settings.
- Doei – works among friends, family, or coworkers.
- Dag – can mean both hello and goodbye, depending on context.
- Vaarwel – more literary; you’ll hear it in speeches or dramatic moments.
💬 Fun fact: “Doei” is so common that it’s become a cheerful national trademark — used by both kids and adults alike.
Time-Based Goodbyes in Dutch
Dutch people often say goodbye based on when they expect to see you again.
These phrases are practical, polite, and easy to remember:
| Dutch Expression | Pronunciation | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tot straks | toht strahks | See you soon | Within a few hours |
| Tot later | toht lah-ter | See you later | Later the same day |
| Tot morgen | toht mor-ghun | See you tomorrow | Next day |
| Tot vanavond | toht fuh-nah-vond | See you tonight | Evening plans |
| Tot snel | toht snel | See you soon | Informal, anytime |
| Tot de volgende keer | toht duh vol-ghun-duh keer | Until next time | Neutral, polite |
💡 Tip: You can combine these phrases with “Doei” or “Dag” for a natural touch, like “Tot morgen, doei!”
Regional and Cultural Farewells
Dutch farewell habits vary slightly by region, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.
In the Netherlands
- In big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, “Doei!” and “Tot ziens!” are most common.
- People in North Holland might add “Hé doei” for extra friendliness.
In Brabant & Limburg
- Locals use “Houdoe!” (how-doo), which literally means “take care.”
- It’s a warm, regional favorite you’ll often hear in the south.
In Belgium (Flanders)
- Flemish speakers say “Saluu” or “Salutjes”, influenced by French.
- They also use “Tot de volgende keer!” in a cheerful tone.
In Suriname and the Caribbean
- You might hear “Doei doei” (a double bye) or English-influenced variants like “Bye, man!”
- The tone is friendly and rhythmic.
Fun and Informal Dutch Goodbyes
Dutch humor shines through its informal expressions. Here are a few playful ways to say goodbye:
| Expression | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|
| Aju paraplu | A rhyming slang for “bye-bye,” literally “Goodbye umbrella!” |
| De mazzel | “Take care!” – casual Amsterdam slang |
| Later! | “Later!” – youth slang similar to “See ya!” |
| Houdoe! | “Take care!” – Brabant region |
| Doei doei! | Cute double goodbye, friendly tone |
These lighthearted forms make conversations sound relaxed and authentic — especially among younger speakers.
Pronunciation and Farewell Etiquette
When saying goodbye in Dutch:
- Smile and make eye contact — Dutch communication is direct but warm.
- A handshake is typical in formal settings.
- Friends often give three cheek kisses (left-right-left).
- Use tone to match context: a soft “Doei!” among friends, or a respectful “Tot ziens” with a client.
For pronunciation practice, try Avatalks’ interactive Dutch Pronunciation Trainer — it shows exactly how each phrase sounds with lip-synced 3D avatars.
FAQ: Goodbye in Dutch
Q: What is the most common way to say goodbye in Dutch?
A: “Tot ziens” is the most standard and polite way.
Q: How do Dutch people say bye casually?
A: “Doei” or “Dag” are short, friendly options for everyday use.
Q: Is “Vaarwel” still used?
A: Rarely — it’s more formal or poetic, similar to “Farewell” in English.
Q: How do you say goodbye to friends?
A: Try “Doei doei!” or “Tot snel!” for a cheerful tone.
Conclusion
Learning how to say goodbye in Dutch helps you sound more confident and respectful in any setting.
Start with “Tot ziens” for general use, “Doei” with friends, and sprinkle in local flavor like “Houdoe” or “De mazzel.”
Mastering greetings and farewells is the first step toward fluency.
Next, explore How to Say Hello in Dutch and our Dutch Alphabet Guide to continue your language journey.