Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| herrlich | /ˈhɛʁlɪç/ |
| lieblich | /ˈliːplɪç/ |
| liebreizend | /ˈliːpˌʁaɪ̯t͡sn̩t/ |
| schön | /ʃøːn/ |
German offers different words for 'lovely' depending on whether you are describing scenery, a person's manner or a general sense of beauty. While these words all share a sense of being pleasing in form, looks, tone or manner, they are not always interchangeable.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the nuance you wish to convey. schön is the most common and versatile option for everyday use, meaning beautiful or nice. herrlich is a stronger term, often used to describe something as magnificent or glorious, particularly regarding weather or scenery. If you are specifically describing a person's charming manner or a very pleasing appearance, use liebreizend. If you want to describe something in a poetic or dated sense, such as a sweet wine, you might use lieblich.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For everyday situations, schön is the standard. lieblich is more poetic and dated, making it feel less modern. If you want to be informal, you can use Süß to mean 'cute' or 'sweet' or the Bavarian term G'schmeidig to mean 'lovely' or 'charming'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, the informal term G'schmeidig is used to mean lovely or charming.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhɛʁlɪç/
When do people say it?
To express 'How lovely!' as an exclamation, Germans typically use the phrase Wie schön!
Did you know?
- While schön means 'beautiful', it is also used in the phrase Schön wär's!, which is a sarcastic way of saying 'In your dreams!' or 'I wish!'
- The word schön can be used as a filler word in phrases like Schön langsam, which actually means 'very slowly' rather than 'beautifully slowly'.
- The word liebreizend combines the words for 'love' and 'irritation' or 'stimulus' (Reiz), essentially meaning something that 'stirs up' love.
Examples in context
- Wie schön es heute ist.How lovely it is today.This sentence shows how to use schön to comment on the weather.Tatoeba #8326307 by driini, translation #10534682 by sundown
- Sie sah liebreizend aus.She looked lovely.This sentence shows how to use liebreizend to describe a person's appearance.Tatoeba #4947570 by l4t3, translation #4945661 by Hybrid
- Dieser Garten ist schön.This garden is lovely.This sentence shows how to use schön to describe a place.Tatoeba #10032806 by sakslane, translation #8185554 by Hybrid
- Ihr Garten ist einfach wunderbar!Your garden is simply wonderful!
- Sie haben eine entzückende Familie!You have an adorable family!
- Das Kleid, das du trägst, ist wirklich schön!The dress you're wearing is really lovely!
- Deine Tochter ist so süß!Your daughter is so lovely!
- Wir hatten heute einen herrlichen Tag am See!We had a lovely day at the lake today!
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are enjoying a view from a mountain balcony.
- MaximilianDie Aussicht hier ist herrlich.The view here is lovely.
- SarahJa, das stimmt wirklich.Yes, that is really true.
- MaximilianEs ist ein herrlicher Tag.It is a lovely day.
- SarahIch bin sehr glücklich.I am very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lovely” translations and entries herrlich, lieblich, liebreizend, schön, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
