How to Say “I Love You” in Pennsylvania Dutch

By Tina Charlotte • Updated October 16, 2026

Ich lieb dich

everyday

I love you in Pennsylvania Dutch is Ich lieb dich. It is close to standard German Ich liebe dich, without the final e.

Meaning: an expression of love (phrase)

Which one should you use?

Dropping the last e of verbs is typical of Pennsylvania Dutch, which grew out of Palatine German dialects.

When do people say it?

In many Amish families love is shown more in deeds than in words, so the phrase is used quietly and sincerely.

Did you know?

Aa, "also, too", is the Pennsylvania Dutch form of German auch.

Examples in context

Ich lieb dich.
I love you.

Example conversation

Young couple Samuel and Rebecca sit on the porch after supper.

Samuel

Rebecca, ich lieb dich.
Rebecca, I love you.
Rebecca

Ich lieb dich aa.
I love you too.
Samuel

Sell macht mich froh.
That makes me happy.

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About The Author

Tina Charlotte

Hoi! I'm Tina, a passionate lover of the Dutch language! I spend my days sharing my love for Dutch, both formal and informal, like how to say 'Goedemorgen' (good morning) or even 'Je bent schattig' (you're cute). When I'm not writing guides about Dutch, you'll find me enjoying a slice of Dutch 'taart' or a game of 'voetbal'. It's an interesting world, a world of words, and I can't wait to take you along on this language journey!

Tina CharlotteHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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