Ich liebe dich, mein Schatz
/ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç maɪ̯n ʃat͡s/word by word
The English phrase "I love you, my darling" is translated into German as Ich liebe dich, mein Schatz.
This phrase is an expression of deep affection used to tell a romantic partner that you love them.
What does it mean word for word?
The word used for 'darling' in this phrase, Schatz, literally means 'treasure'.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction in intensity between different ways to express love. Ich liebe dich, mein Schatz is used for intense romantic love, while Ich hab' dich lieb, mein Schatz is a less intense version often used between friends or family members.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç maɪ̯n ʃats/
Did you know?
- The word Schatz originally evolved from a Proto-West Germanic term skatt that meant both 'cattle' and 'treasure'.
- In German, using Ich liebe dich is much more weightier and serious than the English 'I love you', and is often reserved for long-term, committed romantic relationships.
- In German, the word Schatz is a masculine noun, so even if a man is calling his girlfriend 'darling', he must use the masculine mein Schatz.
Example conversation
A romantic dinner at home.
- LukasDu siehst heute wunderschön aus.You look beautiful today.
- SarahDanke, Lukas. Das ist sehr lieb von dir.Thank you, Lukas. That is very sweet of you.
- LukasIch liebe dich, mein Schatz.I love you, my darling.
- SarahIch liebe dich auch.I love you too.
