How to Say I Love You in German: 17 Romantic Expressions & Pet Names
Quick Answer
The most direct way to say I love you in German is 'Ich liebe dich' (ikh LEE-buh dikh). But Germans reserve this phrase for deep romantic love. For family, close friends, or early relationships, 'Ich hab dich lieb' (ikh HAHB dikh LEEP) is far more common. German also has a rich tradition of animal-based pet names like 'Hase' (bunny), 'Maus' (mouse), and 'Bärchen' (little bear).
The Short Answer
The most direct way to say I love you in German is Ich liebe dich (ikh LEE-buh dikh). But unlike in English, where "I love you" flows freely between partners, family, and friends, Germans treat Ich liebe dich as a weighty declaration reserved almost exclusively for deep romantic love. For family, close friends, and early relationships, Ich hab dich lieb (I have you dear) is the more natural and common choice.
German is spoken by over 130 million people across six countries, and its approach to expressing love reveals something fundamental about the culture: precision matters. Where English has one phrase for many shades of affection, German distinguishes between romantic passion, familial warmth, and playful tenderness with different words and structures. According to the Duden, Germany's definitive dictionary, the verb lieben carries a deeper emotional register than its English counterpart "to love."
"The distinction between Ich liebe dich and Ich hab dich lieb is one of the most culturally significant features of German emotional expression. It reflects a language that insists on precision even in matters of the heart."
(Damaris Nübling, Germanistische Linguistik, 2017)
This guide covers 17 essential expressions of love and affection in German, organized by category: romantic declarations, everyday affection, pet names, missing someone, and regional variations. Each includes pronunciation, cultural context, and real usage guidance so you know exactly when each expression fits.
Quick Reference: German Love Expressions at a Glance
Romantic Love Declarations
These are the big phrases, the ones that carry real emotional weight in German. Saying Ich liebe dich for the first time is a significant relationship milestone, often more so than in English-speaking cultures.
Ich liebe dich
/ikh LEE-buh dikh/
Literal meaning: I love you
“Ich liebe dich, und ich will den Rest meines Lebens mit dir verbringen.”
I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
The most powerful love declaration in German. Reserved for deep romantic love. Germans do not say this casually -- it is a statement of serious commitment. Saying it too early in a relationship can overwhelm a German partner.
Ich liebe dich is not a phrase Germans toss around. A 2023 YouGov survey found that Germans say "I love you" to their partners far less frequently than Americans do. This is not because Germans love less. It is because the phrase carries extraordinary weight. When a German says Ich liebe dich, they mean it.
The cultural expectation is that you wait until you are genuinely certain of your feelings. Many German couples date for months before either partner says these words. The first Ich liebe dich in a relationship is often remembered as a defining moment.
Ich hab dich lieb
/ikh HAHB dikh LEEP/
Literal meaning: I have you dear
“Schlaf gut, Mama. Ich hab dich lieb.”
Sleep well, Mom. I love you.
The softer, more versatile expression of love. Used between family members, close friends, parents and children, and in early-stage romantic relationships. Carries warmth without the intensity of 'Ich liebe dich.'
This is the expression that fills the enormous gap between Ich liebe dich and saying nothing at all. Ich hab dich lieb (often abbreviated as Hab dich lieb or just HDL in texts) is what German parents say to their children at bedtime, what friends write in birthday cards, and what couples say before they are ready for the full Ich liebe dich.
Understanding this distinction is essential. If you are learning German and want to express affection naturally, Ich hab dich lieb will serve you far more often than Ich liebe dich.
🌍 The Liebe vs. Lieb Distinction
This two-tier love system is nearly unique to German. English "I love you" covers everything from a parent's goodnight to a marriage proposal. German insists on distinguishing the depth and nature of the feeling. Many German expats living in English-speaking countries report that the single English "I love you" initially felt strange to them precisely because it collapses these two very different emotional registers into one phrase.
Ich bin in dich verliebt
/ikh bin in dikh fehr-LEEPT/
Literal meaning: I am in you in-love-d
“Ich muss dir etwas sagen -- ich bin in dich verliebt.”
I have to tell you something -- I'm in love with you.
Describes the state of being in love. Often used as a confession in the early stages of romance. Less permanent-sounding than 'Ich liebe dich' -- it describes a feeling you have fallen into rather than a commitment you are making.
Verliebt comes from the past participle of sich verlieben (to fall in love). It describes the swooning, butterflies-in-the-stomach phase of love. Saying Ich bin in dich verliebt is a common way to confess feelings for the first time because it feels less like a lifelong vow and more like an honest admission of how you feel right now.
Ich mag dich sehr
/ikh MAHK dikh ZEHR/
Literal meaning: I like you very much
“Du weißt, ich mag dich sehr. Lass uns mal wieder was zusammen machen.”
You know, I like you a lot. Let's do something together again.
A stepping stone between friendship and love. 'Mögen' (to like) is less intense than 'lieben' (to love). Often used in early dating stages or to express strong platonic affection.
Ich mag dich (I like you) and its intensified form Ich mag dich sehr (I like you very much) serve as the lower rungs on the German affection ladder. In the early stages of dating, Ich mag dich sehr can be a significant statement, signaling genuine interest without the pressure of a love declaration.
Everyday Affection and Deep Feelings
These expressions go beyond the initial declaration and into the territory of everyday romantic life: the phrases couples use to sustain and deepen their connection.
Du fehlst mir
/doo FAYLST meer/
Literal meaning: You are missing to me
“Ich bin erst seit zwei Tagen weg, aber du fehlst mir jetzt schon.”
I've only been gone for two days, but I already miss you.
The German way of saying 'I miss you.' The grammar is inverted compared to English -- you are the subject who is missing, not the speaker who is doing the missing. This structure emphasizes the absence felt rather than the act of longing.
The structure of Du fehlst mir is one of the most beautiful features of German emotional expression. Rather than "I miss you" (where the speaker is the active agent), German says "You are missing to me," where the absent person is the subject. The Goethe-Institut highlights this construction as a prime example of how German grammar can shift emotional perspective.
Du bedeutest mir alles
/doo buh-DOY-test meer AH-les/
Literal meaning: You mean everything to me
“Ohne dich wäre mein Leben nicht dasselbe. Du bedeutest mir alles.”
Without you, my life wouldn't be the same. You mean everything to me.
A deeply sincere expression of devotion. More commonly written than spoken -- found in love letters, anniversary cards, and heartfelt messages. When spoken aloud, it carries real emotional gravity.
This phrase appears frequently in written contexts: love letters, anniversary messages, and meaningful texts. It is the kind of expression a German speaker would carefully choose for a significant moment rather than using it as everyday language.
Küss mich
/KEWS mikh/
Literal meaning: Kiss me
“Komm her und küss mich.”
Come here and kiss me.
Direct and playful. The 'ü' sound (like saying 'ee' with rounded lips) gives it a distinctly German ring. Used between partners in intimate or playful moments.
Short, direct, and unmistakable. The ü in Küss is one of those quintessentially German sounds. English speakers can approximate it by saying "ee" while rounding their lips as if saying "oo." For more practice with German pronunciation, visit our German learning page.
Du bist mein Ein und Alles
/doo bist myne AYN oont AH-les/
Literal meaning: You are my one and everything
“Du bist mein Ein und Alles -- das weißt du doch.”
You are my one and everything -- you know that, right?
A deeply romantic, slightly poetic phrase. Used in committed relationships to express that someone is irreplaceable. Common in wedding vows, love letters, and emotionally significant moments.
This expression combines German precision with emotional depth. Ein und Alles (one and everything) is an idiomatic construction documented in the Duden that means "the single most important thing." It appears in wedding vows, anniversary speeches, and those rare moments when someone wants to put the full depth of their feelings into words.
German Pet Names (Kosenamen)
Germans are famous for their pet names, and they are overwhelmingly drawn to animals and diminutives. According to a 2023 YouGov survey, Schatz (treasure) dominates, but animal-based pet names like Hase, Maus, and Bärchen consistently rank among the most popular in Germany.
🌍 Why Germans Love Animal Pet Names
Linguist Damaris Nübling's research on German Kosenamen (pet names) reveals that German has an unusually strong preference for animal-based terms of endearment compared to other European languages. The pattern centers on small, soft, non-threatening animals: never wolves or eagles, but always bunnies, mice, and bears in their diminutive cub form. The diminutive suffix -chen or -lein makes anything sound smaller and cuter.
Schatz
/shahts/
Literal meaning: Treasure
“Schatz, kannst du mir bitte das Salz geben?”
Honey, can you please pass me the salt?
The single most popular German pet name. Used by couples of all ages. Variants include 'Schatzi' (little treasure, common in Austria) and 'Schätzchen' (diminutive). Also used casually by some parents for children.
Schatz is the undisputed champion of German pet names. The YouGov survey consistently places it at number one. It translates literally to "treasure" and functions much like English "honey" or "sweetheart," a default, all-purpose term of endearment that works in any couple-related context, from a quick request at dinner to a love letter.
Liebling
/LEEP-ling/
Literal meaning: Favorite / Darling
“Guten Morgen, Liebling. Kaffee ist schon fertig.”
Good morning, darling. Coffee is already ready.
A classic, slightly old-fashioned pet name. Derived from 'lieb' (dear/love). Carries a warm, affectionate tone. Still widely used, especially by older couples, though younger Germans may find it a touch traditional.
Liebling derives from lieb (dear) with the suffix -ling (one who is). It translates closest to "darling" or "favorite." While younger Germans increasingly use English borrowings or more playful pet names, Liebling remains a staple: warm, affectionate, and unmistakably German.
Mein Herz
/myne HEHRTS/
Literal meaning: My heart
“Du bist mein Herz und meine Seele.”
You are my heart and my soul.
Poetic and deeply affectionate. Can be used as a standalone pet name or as part of longer expressions. 'Mein Herz' as an address carries a tender, literary quality.
Calling someone Mein Herz places your words in a long tradition of German romantic poetry. It works both as a standalone pet name ("Komm, mein Herz," meaning "Come, my heart") and as part of longer expressions like Du bist mein Herz und meine Seele (You are my heart and soul).
Hase
/HAH-zuh/
Literal meaning: Bunny / Rabbit
“Na, mein Hase? Wie war dein Tag?”
Hey, bunny? How was your day?
One of the most popular animal pet names in Germany. The diminutive 'Häschen' (little bunny) is also common. Used by both men and women for their partners. Not gendered -- anyone can be a Hase.
Hase (bunny) perfectly illustrates the German love of animal pet names. It is used freely across genders: men call women Hase, women call men Hase, and nobody finds it unusual. The diminutive Häschen (little bunny) adds extra tenderness.
Maus
/mowss/
Literal meaning: Mouse
“Komm, Maus, lass uns nach Hause gehen.”
Come on, mouse, let's go home.
A popular pet name emphasizing smallness and cuteness. 'Mäuschen' (little mouse) is the diminutive form. The phrase 'Süße Maus' (sweet mouse) is also common. Used affectionately for partners and sometimes for children.
Maus ranks consistently among the top German pet names. As Nübling's research documents, the appeal lies in the association with something small, soft, and endearing. The diminutive Mäuschen (little mouse) and the combination Süße Maus (sweet mouse) are equally popular.
Engel
/ENG-ul/
Literal meaning: Angel
“Du bist ein Engel -- danke für alles.”
You're an angel -- thanks for everything.
Used both as a pet name and as a compliment. 'Mein Engel' (my angel) is the full form. Unlike the animal names, this one crosses easily into non-romantic contexts -- you might call a helpful friend 'ein Engel' as well.
Engel stands apart from the animal pet names as the one spiritual term of endearment that remains widely used. Both Engel and Mein Engel (my angel) work as partner pet names, but the word also functions as a general compliment for anyone who does something exceptionally kind.
Bärchen
/BEHR-khen/
Literal meaning: Little bear
“Mein Bärchen, du bist so kuschelig.”
My little bear, you are so cuddly.
The diminutive of 'Bär' (bear). The -chen suffix transforms a powerful animal into something small and cuddly. Often used for male partners, but not exclusively. Implies warmth, strength, and cuddliness.
Bärchen demonstrates the magic of German diminutives. A Bär (bear) is strong and imposing, but add -chen and it becomes a small, cuddly teddy bear. This pet name is slightly more often used for male partners, playing on the contrast between masculine strength and tender smallness, but as with all German pet names, it crosses gender lines freely.
Poetic and Formal Expressions
German has a long tradition of romantic poetry and literature, from Goethe to Rilke to Heine. These expressions draw on that tradition and are suited for written declarations, wedding vows, or deeply emotional moments.
Meine Liebe
/MY-nuh LEE-buh/
Literal meaning: My love
“Meine Liebe, ich werde immer an deiner Seite sein.”
My love, I will always be by your side.
A formal, literary term of address. More common in written German (love letters, poetry, wedding vows) than in everyday speech. 'Mein Lieber' (masculine) and 'Meine Liebe' (feminine) follow grammatical gender.
Meine Liebe (feminine) and Mein Lieber (masculine) are the kinds of address you find in classic German love letters and poetry. In contemporary usage, they feel literary and deliberately romantic, the kind of language someone chooses when they want their words to carry the weight of tradition.
Ich liebe dich für immer
/ikh LEE-buh dikh fewr IM-mer/
Literal meaning: I love you forever
“Ich liebe dich für immer und ewig.”
I love you forever and always.
The ultimate romantic declaration with the addition of eternity. 'Für immer und ewig' (forever and always) is the extended form, common in wedding vows and deeply emotional moments.
Adding für immer (forever) or the full für immer und ewig (forever and always) elevates Ich liebe dich into vow territory. This is wedding speech language, love letter language, the kind of phrase reserved for life's most meaningful moments.
Regional Variations Across German-Speaking Countries
Love expressions vary across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, reflecting the same regional diversity found in German greetings. Here is how affection sounds different depending on where you are.
| Expression | Germany | Austria | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treasure (pet name) | Schatz | Schatzi | Schätzli |
| I love you | Ich liebe dich | Ich liebe dich / I liab di | Ich liebe dich / Ich ha di gärn |
| Darling | Liebling | Liebling / Spatzi | Liebling / Schatz |
| Little bear | Bärchen | Bärli | Bärli |
| Bunny | Hase / Häschen | Hasi | Häsli |
| Diminutive suffix | -chen / -lein | -i / -erl | -li |
🌍 Austrian and Swiss Diminutives
Each region uses different diminutive suffixes to make pet names cuter. Standard German uses -chen (Häschen, Bärchen, Schätzchen). Austrian German favors -i or -erl (Hasi, Schatzi, Bussi for a little kiss). Swiss German uses -li (Häsli, Bärli, Schätzli). These tiny suffixes instantly reveal where a speaker is from.
The Austrian dialect form I liab di (I love you) and the Swiss Ich ha di gärn (literally "I have you gladly," equivalent to Ich hab dich lieb) are worth knowing if you are traveling or have a partner from these regions. For Austrian and Swiss German in action, our guide to the best movies for learning German includes films from all three countries.
How Germans Express Love Differently
Understanding how Germans approach love and affection goes beyond vocabulary. Several cultural patterns are worth knowing.
Germans say "I love you" less often. Research consistently shows that Germans express verbal love less frequently than Americans or British people. This does not indicate less love but rather a culture where the words carry more weight precisely because they are not overused.
Physical affection is more private. While younger, urban Germans are increasingly open with public displays of affection, the traditional expectation leans toward restraint in public. Holding hands is universal; extensive kissing in public is less common than in southern European countries.
Written declarations carry special weight. Germany has a strong tradition of love letters. From Goethe's letters to Charlotte von Stein to everyday modern relationships, putting feelings into writing is considered especially meaningful. A heartfelt text message, card, or letter resonates deeply in German culture.
The Du/Sie transition matters in romance. As the Goethe-Institut emphasizes, the shift from formal Sie to informal du is itself an act of intimacy. In the early stages of dating, the moment when two people begin using du with each other marks a significant step forward in closeness.
Practice With Real German Content
Reading about love expressions gives you the vocabulary, but hearing them spoken in context is what makes them feel natural. German-language films and shows are full of these expressions, from the restrained Ich hab dich lieb in family dramas to the passionate Ich liebe dich in romantic films.
Wordy lets you watch German movies and shows with interactive subtitles, tapping on any word or phrase to see its meaning, pronunciation, and cultural context in real time. When you hear a character say Du fehlst mir in a film scene, you absorb not just the words but the emotion, tone, and context that make the phrase come alive.
For more German content, explore our blog for language guides, or visit our German learning page to start practicing with native content today. You can also check out the best movies to learn German for film recommendations across all German-speaking regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'Ich liebe dich' and 'Ich hab dich lieb'?
Do Germans really use animal names as pet names?
How do you say 'I miss you' in German?
Is 'Ich liebe dich' used between parents and children?
What are common pet names used in Austria and Switzerland?
When is the right time to say 'Ich liebe dich' in a German relationship?
Sources & References
- Duden -- Deutsches Universalwörterbuch, 9th edition (2023)
- Goethe-Institut -- German language and culture resources
- YouGov Germany -- 'Die beliebtesten Kosenamen der Deutschen' survey (2023)
- Ammon, Ulrich (2015). 'Die Stellung der deutschen Sprache in der Welt.' De Gruyter.
- Nübling, Damaris (2017). 'Kosenamen im Deutschen: Eine linguistische Analyse.' Germanistische Linguistik.
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