ich liebe euch
/ɪç ˈliːbə ɔɪ̯ç/word by word
The English phrase "I love you guys" is translated into German as ich liebe euch.
ich liebe euch is an expression of affection used to tell a group of people that you love them.
Which one should you use?
While ich liebe euch is used for a group, the phrase ich liebe dich is used when speaking to only one person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, one can say I mog enk ois so gern. to mean "I like/love all of you so much."
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ich liebe euch, euch is the accusative plural form of "you". It is used here because the verb liebe requires a direct object.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈliːbə ɔɪ̯ç/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say ich liebe ihr because ihr is a common plural form of "you", but the accusative euch is required after the verb lieben.
Did you know?
- In Germany, the phrase ich liebe euch is typically reserved for deep romantic or family love. To express a more casual 'love you guys' to friends, Germans often use ich hab euch lieb.
- The German word ich comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *éǵh₂. This same root is the ancestor of the Latin word 'ego'.
- While 'I love you guys' in English is often casual, saying ich liebe euch in German can carry a much heavier, more romantic weight than intended if used with friends.
Examples in context
- Ich liebe euch wirklich sehr.I really love you guys very much.
- Danke für alles, ich liebe euch!Thanks for everything, I love you guys!
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are saying goodbye to their group of friends at a party.
- LauraDanke für den tollen Abend, ich liebe euch!Thanks for the great evening, I love you guys!
- JulianWir lieben dich auch, Laura.We love you too, Laura.
- LauraBis bald, Julian!See you soon, Julian!
- JulianMach's gut!Take care!
