Baby
/ˈbeːbi/
The English phrase "babe" can be translated to German as Baby.
In German, Baby is primarily used to refer to a human infant. While English speakers often use "babe" to refer to an attractive person or a romantic partner, using Baby in this way in German is an anglicism and can sound unnatural or overly slangy.
Meaning: attractive person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English "babe" is often used for an attractive person, the German Baby almost exclusively refers to an infant.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Baby is neuter, so it is used with the article das (e.g., das Baby).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeːbi/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using Baby to mean an attractive person or a romantic partner, as this is an anglicism.
When do people say it?
When expressing affection for a partner in informal settings, German speakers use terms such as Schatz or its diminutive Schatzi to express a high level of endearment. Another common informal term of endearment among partners is Hasi, which means "bunny".
Did you know?
- While Baby is used for infants, German speakers often use Schatz to mean 'babe'. Literally, Schatz means 'treasure', treating a romantic partner like a precious object.
- The word Baby entered the German language as a borrowing from English in the mid-19th century.
- Some German couples use the term Hasi, which means 'bunny'. Using animal names as terms of endearment is a widespread cultural habit in Germany.
Examples in context
- Guten Morgen, mein Liebling!Good morning, my darling!
- Vielen Dank, Liebling.Thank you, beloved.
- Ich vermisse dich, Schatz.I miss you, sweetheart.
- Kannst du mir helfen, Schatz?Can you help me, babe?
- Ich liebe dich, Schatzi.I love you, darling.
- Guten Morgen, Hase!Good morning, babe!
- Was möchtest du essen, Hasi?What would you like to eat, bunny?
- Hey, Maus, hast du Lust spazieren zu gehen?Hey, babe, do you feel like going for a walk?
- Du siehst heute zauberhaft aus, meine Maus.You look enchanting today, my love.
- Gute Nacht, mein Bärchen.Goodnight, my little bear.
- Pass auf dich auf, süßes Bärchen.Take care, sweet little bear.
- Schau dir dieses Baby dort an.Look at that babe over there.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are people watching at a cafe.
- HannahSchau mal, was für ein Baby!Look, what a babe!
- FelixWer? Meinst du den Mann dort?Who? Do you mean that man over there?
- HannahJa, er ist wirklich ein Baby.Yes, he is really a babe.
- FelixIch stimme dir zu, Hannah.I agree with you, Hannah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Baby, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Baby, CC BY-SA 4.0.
