ich liebe dich wirklich
/ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç ˈvɪʁklɪç/word by word
The English phrase "I really love you" is translated into German as ich liebe dich wirklich.
This phrase is a strong expression used to convey deep romantic affection or care for another person.
Which one should you use?
While ich liebe dich is reserved for deep romantic love, the phrase Ich hab' dich echt lieb is used for friends and family members.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss-German, you can say Ich ha di eifach mega gern. to mean I really love you.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ich liebe dich wirklich, the word wirklich (really) is placed at the end of the sentence to emphasize the truth or sincerity of the feeling.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç ˈvɪʁklɪç/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use wirklich to mean "very much", but in German, sehr is the more natural adverb to express the intensity of the feeling (Ich liebe dich sehr).
Did you know?
- In romantic literature, the phrase ich liebe dich is often replaced by more poetic expressions of 'longing' using the word Sehnsucht, a feeling English has no single word for.
- While ich liebe dich is the standard phrase, Germans often avoid saying it early in a relationship because it is considered a heavy, binding commitment rather than a casual expression of affection.
- Because wirklich can also mean 'actual' or 'real' (as in a 'real person'), saying ich liebe dich wirklich could technically be interpreted as 'I love the actual you', implying you love the real person rather than an illusion.
Examples in context
- Ich liebe dich wirklich.I really love you.Tatoeba #6644209 by Felixjp, translation #2390855 by CK
- Du bist eine großartige Freundin, und ich habe dich wirklich lieb.You are a great friend, and I really love you.
- Seit dem ersten Tag weiß ich, dass ich dich mit ganzem Herzen liebe.Since the first day, I know that I love you with all my heart.
- Du bist mein/e beste/r Freund/in, und ich hab' dich echt lieb.You are my best friend, and I really love you.
- Seitdem ich dich kennengelernt habe, steh' ich total auf dich.Since I met you, I'm totally into you.
- Ich liebe dich wirklich, mein Schatz.I really love you, my darling.
- Vergiss bitte nie: Ich liebe dich wirklich.Please never forget: I really love you.
Example conversation
A couple is talking during a quiet moment at home.
- MaximilianLaura, ich liebe dich wirklich.Laura, I really love you.
- LauraDas ist so lieb, Maximilian.That is so sweet, Maximilian.
- MaximilianDu bist mir sehr wichtig.You are very important to me.
- LauraIch liebe dich auch über alles.I love you more than anything too.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ich, Liebe, dich, wirklich) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
