Liebhaber
/ˈliːpˌhaːbɐ/masculine
In German, the English phrase 'lover' is translated as Liebhaber.
Liebhaber is used to refer to a sexual partner. It is worth noting that this term is also frequently used to describe an enthusiast or aficionado of a specific thing, such as a Weinliebhaber (wine lover).
Meaning: sexual partner (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
While Liebhaber is the masculine form, the feminine form for a female lover is Liebhaberin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈliːpˌhaːbɐ/
When do people say it?
In German, when addressing a romantic partner informally, people often use the word Schatz, which translates to 'treasure' or 'darling' in English.
Did you know?
- In the context of arts or collectibles, a Liebhaberstück is an item prized by an enthusiast. It refers to a piece of high quality that is kept for pleasure rather than for practical use.
- The noun Liebhaber is built from the verb liebhaben, which is a much more tender and innocent way to say 'to love' than the more common 'lieben'.
- In historical literature, the term Liebhaber was sometimes used as a euphemism for a kept mistress or a secret paramour to avoid more explicit terminology.
Examples in context
- Tom ist sein Liebhaber.Tom is his lover.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific person as a lover.Tatoeba #11494539 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11279638 by shekitten
- Sie hat einen Liebhaber.She has a lover.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has a lover.Tatoeba #2753220 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2752875 by Hybrid
- Meine Liebhaberin liebt mich nicht.My lover doesn't love me.This sentence is useful for showing the use of the feminine form Liebhaberin.Tatoeba #761522 by Dejo, translation #759678 by Martha
- Mein Geliebter, du bist die Sonne meines Lebens.My beloved, you are the sun of my life.
- Meine Geliebte, ich liebe dich von ganzem Herzen.My beloved, I love you with all my heart.
- Guten Morgen, Schatz!Good morning, darling!
- Schatz, ich vermisse dich.Darling, I miss you.
- Hallo, Süße!Hello, sweetheart!
- Gute Nacht, Schatzi!Good night, my little treasure!
- Ich liebe dich, Schatzi!I love you, my dear!
- Hase, du bist mein Ein und Alles.Honey, you are my everything.
- Ich hab dich lieb, Maus.I love you, sweetheart.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are discussing a secret relationship.
- LauraWer ist dieser geheimnisvolle Liebhaber?Who is this mysterious lover?
- FelixIch kann darüber nicht sprechen, Laura.I cannot talk about that, Laura.
- LauraIst er dein Liebhaber seit einem Jahr?Has he been your lover for a year?
- FelixJa, aber es ist kompliziert.Yes, but it is complicated.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lover” translations and entries Liebhaber, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
