ich liebe dich, Oma
/ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç ˈoːma/word by word
The English phrase "I love you, grandma" is translated into German as ich liebe dich, Oma.
This phrase is an expression of affection spoken directly to one's grandmother. While ich liebe dich, Oma is used, a more common, lighter way to express affection toward family members is to say Oma, ich hab' dich lieb! You might also use the phrase Du bist meine allerliebste Oma! to say "You are my dearest grandma".
Which one should you use?
The phrase ich liebe dich, Oma expresses deep, romantic or profound familial love. In contrast, the colloquial phrase Oma, ich hab' dich lieb! is a lighter way to express affection toward family members.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Oma is the common, informal term for grandma. If you were to use the formal term, you would use Großmutter.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Omi is a regional variation of the term for grandma.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the accusative pronoun dich because the verb lieben requires an object in the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç ˈoːma/
Did you know?
- The word ich shares an ancient root with the English word 'I', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European form *éǵh₂.
- Using the formal term Großmutter instead of Oma can make your expression of love sound strangely stiff, as if you were writing a legal document rather than a card.
- While ich liebe dich is used for grandmothers, it is the same phrase used for romantic partners, which can make it feel much more intense than the English 'i love you'.
Examples in context
- Ich liebe dich, Oma!I love you, grandma
- Liebe Oma, ich hab' dich lieb! Du bist die Beste!Dear grandma, I love you! You're the best!
- Großmutter, ich habe Sie von ganzem Herzen lieb und schätze Sie sehr!Grandmother, I love you wholeheartedly and value you greatly!
- Du bist die Beste, ich liebe dich, Oma.You are the best, I love you, grandma.
Example conversation
Maximilian is visiting his grandmother at her house.
- MaximilianHallo Oma, wie geht es dir?Hello grandma, how are you?
- HannahMir geht es sehr gut, Maximilian.I am doing very well, Maximilian.
- MaximilianIch liebe dich, Oma.I love you, grandma.
- HannahOh, ich liebe dich auch, mein Schatz!Oh, I love you too, my darling!
