ich liebe dich über alles
/ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç ˈʏbɐ ˈaləs/word by word
To say "I love you loads" in German, use ich liebe dich über alles.
This phrase is an informal expression used to tell someone that you love them very much. You might also pair declarations of love with common terms of endearment such as Schatz (sweetheart), Liebling (darling) or Hase (bunny).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ich liebe dich über alles literally translates to "I love you above everything".
Which one should you use?
While ich liebe dich is a standard declaration of love, ich liebe dich über alles adds an intensifier to match the English "loads" or "more than anything".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, you might hear I mog di narrisch gern.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the accusative case for the object dich (you) and the preposition über followed by the accusative alles (everything) to express superlative intensity.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç ˈʏbɐ ˈaləs/
Did you know?
- The word über in this phrase is a distant relative of the Hindi word ऊपर and the Punjabi word ਉੱਪਰ, both of which also mean 'above' or 'top'.
- While ich liebe dich is common today, for centuries Germans often used ich hab dich lieb to express affection, as lieben was reserved for the most intense or spiritual love.
- The phrase ich liebe dich über alles is a favorite in German romantic poetry and songs, often used to denote a love that transcends the material world.
Examples in context
- Ich liebe dich so sehr, mein Schatz.I love you so much, my sweetheart.
- Ich hab dich wirklich sehr lieb, Liebling.I have a really strong affection for you, darling.
- Ich liebe dich über alles.I love you loads.
- Du weißt, ich liebe dich über alles.You know I love you loads.
- Schatz, ich liebe dich über alles!Darling, I love you loads!
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are saying goodbye before work.
- LauraIch muss jetzt gehen. Ich liebe dich über alles!I have to go now. I love you loads!
- JulianIch liebe dich auch, Laura.I love you too, Laura.
- LauraWir sehen uns heute Abend!I'll see you this evening!
- JulianJa, bis später!Yes, see you later!
