deutschdictionary

How to Say I Love You in German

How to Say I Love You in German

Lena Hermann

February 14, 2024


The most common way to say "I love you" in German is "Ich liebe dich". However, German speakers have many ways to express affection, from formal declarations to casual terms of endearment.

Direct Expressions of Love ❤️

  • "Ich liebe dich" - I love you (romantic)
  • "Ich hab' dich lieb" - I love you (casual, for family/friends)
  • "Ich mag dich" - I like you (early dating)

Terms of Endearment 🥰

Common German pet names include:

Usage Tips 💭

"Ich liebe dich" is reserved for romantic relationships and isn't said as frequently as "I love you" in English. For family and friends, "Ich hab' dich lieb" (literally: I have love for you) is more appropriate.

When using terms of endearment, remember that "Schatz" is the safest choice - it's widely used and accepted in most situations.

Related Expressions 💌

Learning German?

Use the best dictionary for German learners

deutschdictionary.com

Made with 🥨 🍺 ❤️ in 🇩🇪

© 2025 deutschdictionary.com

Recent Blog Posts

What's the Best Way to Learn German?How Long Does It Take to Learn German?How to Say Hello in German