liefde
/ˈlif.də/feminine
The English word "love" is translated into Dutch as liefde.
liefde is a feminine noun meaning strong affection. While liefde refers to the concept of love itself, you should use the verb phrase houden van to express the action of loving someone.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
Which one should you use?
liefde is the noun used to describe the feeling, whereas houden van is the verb phrase used to express the act of loving someone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, liefde is used with the definite article de (e.g., de liefde). Other related terms include Broederliefde (brotherly love), Zusterliefde (sisterly love) and Ouderliefde (parental love).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈlif.də/.
Did you know?
- Be careful with the verb houden, because if you omit the preposition van, you are simply saying 'to hold' or 'to keep' something, rather than 'to love'.
- The Dutch have a specific word liefdesverdriet to describe the unique heartache of losing a love, which literally translates to 'love-grief'.
- The related word liefhebber is used for someone who is a 'lover' of a hobby, such as an 'art lover', rather than a romantic partner.
Examples in context
- Dit is geen liefde.This isn't love.This sentence is useful for expressing a negation regarding liefde.Tatoeba #9075133 by MarijnKp, translation #2233756 by CK
- Wat is ware liefde?What is true love?This sentence is useful for asking a question about the nature of liefde.Tatoeba #12334433 by doemaar14, translation #5126090 by maus07
- Geloof in de liefde!Believe in love!This sentence is useful for giving an imperative regarding liefde.Tatoeba #9178863 by Nylez, translation #1945925 by Scott
- Ik hou van jeI love you
- 236 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Daan are talking about their relationship.
- JuliaIk voel zoveel liefde voor jou.I feel so much love for you.
- DaanIk voel dat ook, Julia.I feel that too, Julia.
- JuliaLiefde maakt alles mooier.Love makes everything more beautiful.
- DaanDat is zeker waar, schat.That is certainly true, darling.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries liefde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
