01
bis
until
As a preposition or conjunction indicating an endpoint in time.
example
Warte bitte, bis ich zurückkomme.
Please wait until I come back.
bis
until / to
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Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Use with prepositions
When 'bis' is followed by a noun with an article or adjective, you usually need a second preposition such as 'zu' or 'in'. Before place and time expressions without an article, 'bis' often stands alone.
EXAMPLE
Fahren Sie bitte nur bis zur nächsten Ampel.
Please drive only as far as the next traffic light.
Sentence structure as a conjunction
When 'bis' introduces a subordinate clause, it is a conjunction. The conjugated verb then comes at the end of the clause.
EXAMPLE
Ich warte hier, bis du mit der Arbeit fertig bist.
I'll wait here until you are finished with the work.
Fixed expressions
In everyday language, 'bis' is used in many short farewell formulas to suggest a future point in time.
EXAMPLE
Wir sehen uns morgen. Bis dann!
See you tomorrow. Until then!
Indicating an upper limit
The combination 'bis zu' (up to) is used to indicate a maximum number or an upper limit. It emphasizes that the stated limit is not exceeded.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Aufzug dürfen bis zu acht Personen mitfahren.
Up to eight people may ride in this elevator.
Exception with accusative
The expression 'bis auf' means 'außer' (except) and is almost always used with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Raum war leer, bis auf einen alten Stuhl in der Ecke.
The room was empty except for an old chair in the corner.
Compare with
bis vs zu
to / too / closed
'zu' and 'bis' can both have to do with a destination in space. 'zu' describes direction toward a destination: you go to a person, a place, or a specific spot. 'bis' emphasizes the endpoint of a route: that is where the movement or area stops. They can be confused because both can answer 'Wohin?' (to where?). The difference is: 'zu' names the destination itself, while 'bis' names the limit or the point up to which you go.
bis
Wir laufen nur bis zur Brücke und drehen dann um.
We only walk as far as the bridge and then turn back.
zu
Sie fährt nach dem Termin zur Apotheke.
After the appointment, she goes to the pharmacy.
In real life
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