German · Emotions & Descriptions
"Love" in German: Liebe
die Liebe
Love as a noun is die Liebe, feminine. The verb is lieben: Ich liebe dich. Calling someone lieb means they are dear or kind, not that you are in love.
Talking about feelings
Die Liebe ist kompliziert.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Liebe
Say it
LEE-buh
/ˈliːbə/
LEE-buh. Long ie like "see". The final e is a soft uh. Stress the first syllable.
"Love" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| die Liebe | love The noun for romantic or deep love. | The noun for romantic or deep love. |
| lieben | to love Verb: Ich liebe dich. | Verb: Ich liebe dich. |
| lieb | dear, kind, sweet Adjective for kindness: Sei lieb. | Adjective for kindness: Sei lieb. |
| verliebt sein | to be in love The crush / falling-in-love state. | The crush / falling-in-love state. |
| Liebste / Liebster | darling Affectionate partner address. | Affectionate partner address. |
How to use Liebe in real life
- 1Talking about feelings
Die Liebe ist kompliziert.
Love is complicated.
Die Liebe as a topic takes singular verbs.
- 2To a partner
Ich sage dir das aus Liebe.
I'm telling you this out of love.
Aus Liebe means from love / out of love.
- 3Talking about romance
Die Liebe braucht Zeit und Vertrauen.
Love needs time and trust.
Die Liebe is the noun; do not swap it for lieb or lieben here.
Mistakes English speakers make with Liebe
Incorrect: Ich bin Liebe mit dir.
Correct: Ich liebe dich. / Ich bin in dich verliebt.
German does not copy "I am in love" with Liebe as a predicate noun like that.
Incorrect: der Liebe (meaning the love)
Correct: die Liebe
As a noun, Liebe is feminine: die Liebe.
Good to know
Ich liebe dich is strong and usually reserved for romantic partners. With family, people more often say Ich hab dich lieb, which is warm but softer. Using lieben too early can feel intense.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
A careful talk about feelings
ChatPal
Glaubst du an die große Liebe?
Do you believe in true love?
You
Ja. Liebe braucht aber Zeit.
Yes. But love needs time.
ChatPal
Stimmt. Ohne Vertrauen keine Liebe.
True. Without trust, no love.
You
Genau. Liebe ist mehr als ein Gefühl.
Exactly. Love is more than a feeling.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Love" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Love" in German
What is the difference between Liebe and lieben?
Liebe is the noun. Lieben is the verb. Ich liebe dich uses the verb.
When should I say Ich hab dich lieb?
With family, close friends, or early romance. It is softer than Ich liebe dich.
Does lieb mean love?
Not by itself. Lieb means dear or kind. Love the noun is Liebe.
How do you say I am in love?
Ich bin verliebt or Ich bin in dich verliebt.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
