Bonding and dynamics of surface systems probed by soft X-rays

We review some aspects of the investigation of surface systems with soft X-rays. Examples are presented, showing how core level spectroscopies provide detailed information on the structure, bonding and chemistry of adsorbates and thin layers on surfaces. Core level spectroscopies employed at high brilliance synchrotron light sources allow furthermore access to electron dynamics in the attosecond domain, as we demonstrate for the core hole clock method.