Valentin
/ˈva.lɛnˌtiːn/
The German word for valentine is Valentin.
Valentin refers to a person to whom you give or from whom you receive a valentine on February 14th.
Meaning: a person to whom you give, or from whom you receive, a valentine, on February 14th (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and takes the definite article der.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈva.lɛnˌtiːn/.
When do people say it?
When expressing affection to a Valentine in German, you might use terms like Mein Schatz (my sweetheart), Mein Liebling (my darling) or Meine Süße and Mein Süßer (my sweet one, used for females and males respectively). To express deep feelings, you can say Ich liebe dich (I love you), Du bist mein Ein und Alles (You are my everything) or Ohne dich kann ich nicht leben (I can't live without you).
Did you know?
- In Germany, the custom of exchanging Valentin cards is a relatively recent import from Anglo-American culture and is not a traditional Germanic custom.
- The name Valentin is derived from the Latin 'valens', which means 'strong' or 'healthy'.
- When Germans use terms of endearment like Mein Schatz with their Valentin, they are literally calling them 'my treasure'.
Examples in context
- Ja, ich werde dein Valentin sein.Yes, I will be your Valentine.This sentence uses Valentin to express a promise of being someone's Valentine.Tatoeba #11156574 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4913246 by Hybrid
- Valentine wurde 1911 in Le Havre geboren.Valentine was born in Havre in 1911.This sentence uses Valentin as a proper name.Tatoeba #5292050 by Sudajaengi, translation #2813190 by mervert1
- Möchtest du mein Valentinsschätzchen sein?Will you be my Valentine?This sentence uses Valentin to ask someone to be a Valentine.Tatoeba #6203534 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4913278 by Hybrid
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking about their plans for February 14th.
- LauraWillst du mein Valentin sein?Do you want to be my valentine?
- FelixNatürlich! Ich würde es lieben.Of course! I would love to.
- LauraDann suchen wir uns ein schönes Restaurant aus.Then let's pick a nice restaurant.
- FelixDas ist eine super Idee, Laura.That is a great idea, Laura.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Valentin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Valentin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
