Schatz
/ʃat͡s/
The English term of endearment "hon" can be translated into German as Schatz.
Schatz is the most common term of endearment used between romantic partners in German, functioning similarly to "honey" or "darling" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schatz literally means "treasure".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Schatz is Schätze.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃats/
Did you know?
- The root of Schatz is tied to the concept of livestock. In Proto-West Germanic, the ancestor of the word actually referred to 'cattle', which were the primary form of wealth for early Germanic tribes.
- While English speakers use 'honey' as a nickname, a German speaker would never use Honig to address a loved one. Doing so would sound as if they were talking to the literal food product rather than a person.
- Although Schatz is common, calling a stranger Schatz in a service setting, like a bakery, is common in some regions but can be seen as overly familiar in others.
Examples in context
- Guten Morgen, Schatz.Good morning, honey.
- Kommst du heute früher, Schatz?Are you coming home earlier today, honey?
- Ich liebe dich, mein Schatz.I love you, my honey.
Example conversation
A couple is talking in their kitchen before work.
- LauraHast du meinen Schlüssel gesehen, Schatz?Have you seen my keys, honey?
- FelixSie liegen auf dem Tisch, Schatz.They are lying on the table, honey.
- LauraDanke, du bist der Beste.Thanks, you are the best.
- FelixGerne, hab einen schönen Tag!You're welcome, have a nice day!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schatz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schatz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
