lieber
/ˈliːbɐ/
The English word "dear" can be translated into German as lieber.
As an adjective, lieber means loved or lovable. It is also used in informal greetings, such as starting an email or letter to a male recipient with Lieber [Name]. Note that when used as an adverb, lieber takes on the meaning of "rather" or "preferably," such as in the phrase Ich möchte lieber Tee (I would rather have tea).
Meaning: loved, lovable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While lieber is used for the adjective meaning "dear," it can also function as an adverb meaning "rather" or "preferably."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Lieber is used for informal correspondence. For formal letters where "dear" is intended in English, German speakers use Sehr geehrte(r) instead of lieber.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must change its ending to match the gender of the noun it modifies. For example, use liebe for feminine nouns and liebes for neuter nouns, such as liebes Kind (dear child). In informal letter openings, use Lieber for men and Liebe for women.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈliːbɐ/
Did you know?
- The German word lieber is a cognate of the archaic English word 'liever', which was used to express a preference, as in 'I had liever have stayed'.
- In Germany, using liebe or lieber in a professional email to a superior can be seen as overly intimate or presumptuous if you are not on a first-name basis.
- German has a specific word Lieblings- used as a prefix to create words for 'favorite', such as Lieblingsbuch for 'favorite book', stemming from the same root as lieber.
Examples in context
- Tom ist ein lieber Freund.Tom is a dear friend.This sentence shows how to describe a dear friend using lieber.Tatoeba #7697417 by wolfgangth, translation #7108765 by CK
- Elementar, mein lieber Watson.Elementary, my dear Watson.This sentence uses lieber in a classic address to Watson.Tatoeba #3598418 by Esperantostern, translation #3070616 by carlosalberto
- Wie geht es dir, mein lieber Schatz?How are you, my dear?This sentence demonstrates using lieber when addressing a dear one as Schatz.Tatoeba #2228420 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1312590 by Eldad
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are discussing a kind neighbor.
- LauraWar die Nachbarin ein lieber Mensch?Was the neighbor a dear person?
- MaximilianJa, sie ist eine sehr liebe Frau.Yes, she is a very dear woman.
- LauraDas ist ein lieber Gedanke.That is a sweet thought.
- MaximilianSie ist einfach sehr lieb.She is simply very dear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lieber, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lieber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
