Schatz
/ʃat͡s/
In German, sweetie is translated as Schatz.
Schatz is an informal term used widely by couples, translating to 'treasure' or 'darling'. Other common informal terms of endearment include Liebling (darling or sweetheart), Hase (bunny) and Maus (mouse).
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schatz literally means 'treasure'.
Which one should you use?
You can use the diminutive form Schätzchen (little sweetie) to make the term even more affectionate, though it can also sound patronizing depending on your tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Munich dialect, people use Herzerl (little heart) as an affectionate term. In the Berlin dialect, you may hear Kiezmaus, which means 'neighborhood mouse'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Schatz is Schätze. When using the plural with the possessive pronoun 'my', use meine Schätze.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃats/
Did you know?
- In its oldest Germanic forms, the root of Schatz actually referred to 'cattle' rather than gold or gems.
- While Schatz is the most popular term, some German couples use Schnucki or Spatzi to sound even more informal and playful.
- In German, the concept of 'treasure' is used for people, whereas English speakers more commonly use sweets or food-related terms like 'honey' or 'sugar'.
Examples in context
- Du bist mein süßer Schatz.You're my sweetie.This sentence shows how to use Schatz to describe someone as your sweetie.Tatoeba #2924497 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2631817 by Joseph
- Wie geht es dir, mein lieber Schatz?How are you, sweetie?This sentence demonstrates asking how someone is doing using the form Schatz.Tatoeba #2228420 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1312591 by Eldad
- Was hast du, Schatz?What's wrong sweetie?This sentence shows how to use Schatz when asking what is wrong.Tatoeba #5857041 by raggione, translation #1543975 by Spamster
- Guten Morgen, Schatz!Good morning, sweetie!
- Komm schon, Liebling.Come on, sweetie.
- Gute Nacht, Hase.Goodnight, sweetie.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing on the sofa at home.
- SarahMöchtest du einen Tee, Schatz?Would you like a tea, sweetie?
- JulianJa, das wäre toll, Sarah.Yes, that would be great, Sarah.
- SarahHier ist dein Tee, Schatz.Here is your tea, sweetie.
- JulianVielen Dank, du bist sehr lieb.Thank you very much, you are very sweet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schatz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schatz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
