Mama, ich liebe dich
/ˈmama ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç/word by word
The German phrase for "mom, I love you" is Mama, ich liebe dich.
This phrase is an expression of affection spoken to one's mother.
Which one should you use?
The term Mama is the common, affectionate way to say "Mom" in German, whereas Mutter is the more formal term for "Mother".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase, dich is the accusative form of du (you). This form is required because the verb lieben takes a direct object.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmama ɪç ˈliːbə dɪç/
Did you know?
- In German, even though 'I love you' is a standard phrase, some people prefer to use Ich hab' dich lieb for family members, as it sounds slightly less heavy or 'romantic' than Ich liebe dich.
- In some traditional German households, saying ich liebe dich to a parent was historically seen as overly sentimental or 'too American'.
- The word ich starts with a sound called the 'ich-laut', which does not exist in English and requires placing the tongue in a specific position against the hard palate.
Examples in context
- Ich sage es oft: Mama, ich liebe dich.I say it often: Mom, I love you.
- Sag ihr bitte: Mama, ich liebe dich.Please tell her: Mom, I love you.
Example conversation
Felix is giving a card to his mother, Julia, for her birthday.
- FelixAlles Gute zum Geburtstag, Mama, ich liebe dich!Happy birthday, Mom, I love you!
- JuliaOh danke, Felix, das ist so lieb von dir.Oh thank you, Felix, that is so sweet of you.
- FelixDu bist die beste Mama der Welt.You are the best mom in the world.
- JuliaIch habe dich auch sehr lieb, mein Schatz.I love you very much too, my sweetheart.
