4

Sometimes when saying goodbye people would say

Machen Sie es gut.

or

Mach es gut.

What would be good answers to this? I can think of

Gleichfalls.

Sie auch. / Du auch.

5
  • 4
    I often respond with "Mach es besser", which I guess isn't very common though.
    – Em1
    May 9, 2014 at 6:54
  • I don't think this is a phrase you should use when addressing someone formally. May 9, 2014 at 7:18
  • Whenever you use imperative case, you can omit the conjugation of 'du' and the word 'du'. For eg: Instead of Machst du das schnell you can say "Mach das schnell" May 9, 2014 at 8:21
  • @Em1 To which I often respond "Aber nicht zu oft", which is trying to be funny without being actually funny.
    – PsiX
    May 9, 2014 at 9:54
  • @Frankenstein: can sounds a bit weak here; the word "du" has to be omitted. "Machst du das schnell" is simply not a correct imperative. May 9, 2014 at 15:40

2 Answers 2

8

In my opinion, the best answer is your last choice - "Sie auch. / Du auch."

"Gleichfalls/Danke, Gleichfalls!" is more commonly used for things like "have a nice day/weekend" or "Viel Glück" etc.

Even if it should be "correct" and makes sense here, I have never head someone responding "Gleichfalls" to "Machs gut!"

And of course, as already said, simply saying "Danke" (or anything equal) is rude, as you imply you do not care if your opposite is having a good time or not - while he/she does.

4
  • Well, it's not always rude to just say "danke" - for example, when you add a friendly nodding or express reciprocation with other gestures.
    – user6191
    May 9, 2014 at 7:27
  • @Carlster I would always say that it is rude. You are "taking" their wishes without "granting" them the same. Expressing you are happy/friendly/thankful for that does not change the fact imho. May 9, 2014 at 7:28
  • 3
    Alternativ zu "Gleichfalls" wird auch "Ebenso" verwendet.
    – Vogel612
    May 9, 2014 at 7:42
  • Actually, I often use gleichfalls in that case.
    – bot47
    May 9, 2014 at 22:17
5

Yes, these are good choices. A simple "Danke" in addition might not be amiss.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.