Ich hab dich lieb
family, warm
To family members say Ich hab dich lieb, a warm form of love for parents, children and siblings. For several people say Ich hab euch lieb. It is also called Ich liebe dich.
Meaning: affection for family members (phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Ich hab dich lieb | family, warm |
| Ich hab euch lieb | family, plural |
| Ich liebe dich | strong |
Families say it when saying goodbye, at birthdays or in cards. Add the role, such as Mama or Opa.
Which one should you use?
Ich liebe dich is also used within families, but it sounds stronger and more serious.
How does it change in a sentence?
Dich is for one person and euch for more than one.
Did you know?
- Lieb haben is the classic German way of loving relatives and friends, and lieben is kept for deeper romantic love.
Examples in context
- Ich hab dich lieb, Mama.I love you, Mom.
- Ich hab euch lieb, Oma und Opa.I love you, Grandma and Grandpa.
- Wir haben dich lieb.We love you.
Example conversation
Nele says goodbye to her mother Karin and her father Uwe at the train station.
- NeleTschüss, Mama. Ich hab dich lieb.Bye, Mom. I love you.
- KarinIch hab dich auch lieb.I love you too.
- UweMelde dich, wenn du da bist.Call us when you arrive.
