mein Schatz
/maɪ̯n ʃat͡s/word by word
In German, 'my darling' is expressed as mein Schatz.
mein Schatz is a common informal term of endearment used to address a person who is loved. It can be used for both men and women. mein Schatz translates to 'my treasure'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 'Schatz' literally means 'treasure'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In northern Germany, the term Mäuschen, meaning 'little mouse', is more commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of 'mein Schatz' is meine Schätze.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɪ̯n ʃats/
When do people say it?
The word Spatz (sparrow) is used as a similar, slightly more casual term of endearment, much like 'sweetheart' or 'darling'.
Did you know?
- Long before it meant 'treasure', the root of Schatz referred to 'cattle' in the Proto-West Germanic language.
- While Schatz is the most common term of endearment, German has a vast array of animal-based nicknames, such as Hasi for bunny or Bärchen for little bear.
- The term Schatz is not limited to romantic partners and is frequently used by parents to address their children.
Examples in context
- „Hallo, mein Schatz. Dich habe ich ja schon eine ganze Weile nicht mehr gesehen. Wie geht’s deiner Mutter?“ – „Ja, der geht’s gut. Danke! Ich sag’ ihr, daß Sie gefragt haben. Wie geht’s Ihnen?“ – „Ach, was soll ich sagen? Ich kann nicht klagen. Das macht dann 5,50, Spatz.“"Hello, my darling. Haven't seen you for a while. How's your mum?" "Yeah, she's all right, thanks. I'll tell her you asked. How are you?" "Oh, you know. Can't complain. That'll be £5.50, sweetheart."This sentence shows a greeting using mein Schatz and a transition to a more casual term of endearment.Tatoeba #12556414 by Waldelfe, translation #12536382 by sundown
- Verlass mich nicht, mein Schatz!Do not forsake me, oh my darling.This sentence uses mein Schatz in an emotional plea.Tatoeba #8880397 by carlosalberto, translation #8880384 by carlosalberto
- Du bist federleicht, mein Schatz.You are light as a feather, my darling.This sentence uses mein Schatz to express affection while commenting on weight.Tatoeba #9006515 by carlosalberto, translation #9006498 by carlosalberto
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is greeting each other after work at home.
- JuliaHallo, mein Schatz!Hello, my darling!
- JulianHallo, Julia. Wie war dein Tag?Hello, Julia. How was your day?
- JuliaSehr gut, mein Schatz.Very good, my darling.
- JulianDas freut mich zu hören.I am happy to hear that.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mein, Schatz) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schatz, mein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
