liebe dich selbst
/ˈliːbə dɪç zɛlpst/word by word
The German phrase for 'love yourself' is liebe dich selbst.
This phrase is used to express the sentiment of having a feeling of affection and care for one's own well-being and happiness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb liebe (love), the pronoun dich (you/yourself) and the intensive reflexive pronoun selbst (self).
Which one should you use?
You may use Lieben Sie sich selbst when addressing a single person in a formal context or liebt euch selbst when addressing a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a group of people (plural 'you'), the phrase changes to liebt euch selbst.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈliːbə dɪç zɛlpst/
Did you know?
- While 'liebe dich selbst' sounds like a poetic command, using it to describe self-care can sometimes sound strangely heavy or dramatic in modern German, as the verb lieben is most often reserved for intense romantic passion.
- In German, the word selbst can act like a chameleon. Depending on where you place it in a sentence, it can change from meaning 'self' to meaning 'even' or 'even if'.
- The word selbst is actually an old way of saying 'separate' or 'apart'. It comes from a Proto-Indo-European root that describes being distinct from others.
Examples in context
- Es ist wichtig, dass Sie sich selbst lieben und achten.It is important that you love and respect yourself.
- Du musst lernen, dich selbst zu lieben.You must learn to love yourself.
- Vergiss nicht, dich selbst zu lieben.Don't forget to love yourself.
- Liebe dich selbst und sei stolz auf deine Erfolge.Love yourself and be proud of your accomplishments.
- Es ist essentiell, sich selbst bedingungslos zu lieben.It is essential to love yourself unconditionally.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are talking about mental health.
- JulianIch bin oft zu streng mit mir.I am often too hard on myself.
- HannahDu solltest mehr liebe dich selbst, Julian.You should love yourself more, Julian.
- JulianDas ist gar nicht so einfach.That is not so easy at all.
- HannahDu hast es einfach verdient.You simply deserve it.
