mein Schatz
/maɪ̯n ʃat͡s/word by word
The English phrase "my treasure" is translated into German as mein Schatz.
mein Schatz is used as a term of endearment to refer to a person who is loved dearly. It is the most common informal term in German for referring to a loved one. Another informal option is Mein Herzchen, which roughly translates to "my little heart".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of mein and Schatz, which literally means "treasure" or "valuables".
Which one should you use?
While mein Schatz includes the possessive pronoun, it is very common to drop the mein and simply call a partner Schatz as a standalone nickname.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɪ̯n ʃats/
Did you know?
- The Proto-West Germanic root of Schatz once referred to 'cattle', which were the primary form of wealth in early Germanic societies.
- In some contexts, calling someone Schatz can be used condescendingly by a stranger, similar to how 'honey' or 'sweetie' is used in English.
- The word Schatz is used so frequently as a term of endearment that it is often used for partners, children and even pets.
Examples in context
- Gute Nacht, mein Schatz. Träum süß!Good night, my treasure. Sweet dreams!
- Mein Schatz, möchtest du etwas zu trinken?My darling, would you like something to drink?
- Du bist mein Schatz.You are my treasure.
- Komm her, mein Schatz.Come here, my treasure.
- Ich liebe dich, mein Schatz.I love you, my treasure.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing on the sofa in the evening.
- LukasAlles ist gut bei dir, mein Schatz?Is everything okay with you, my treasure?
- SarahJa, ich bin sehr glücklich.Yes, I am very happy.
- LukasDas freut mich sehr, meine Liebe.That makes me very happy, my dear.
- SarahDu bist auch mein Schatz.You are also my treasure.
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.
