Ways of saying "I love you" in German

In America, it might be easy and straightforward to say "I love you" to someone. However, if you’re from a country that is a bit more reserved (like Germany for example) this might be a bit strange! To Germans, there are different degrees and levels of liking or loving someone, and the German language offers numerous ways to express your love (or liking) for someone or something.

Consider this post as our late blessings to your Valentine's day! Late is always better than never, isn't it?

1. Ich liebe dich

“Ich liebe dich” literally translates to “I love you” in German — however, this phrase is strictly reserved for your partner or spouse. This phrase is only suitable to be said to a person you are very close with and indicates a great deal of trust and familiarity.

The reason for this is that Germans usually don’t like to make rash decisions, and only use this phrase when they are absolutely sure.

If you’re responding to someone who says “Ich liebe dich” — and if the feeling is mutual — you can either say “Ich liebe dich” or “Ich liebe dich auch” (“I love you too”) in return.

However, what if you kind of like someone, but it’s a bit too early to say the infamous three words?

There are ways to solve this case!

2. Ich bin in dich verliebt / Ich habe mich in dich verliebt

“Ich bin in dich verliebt” translates to “I am falling in love with you”, whereas “Ich habe mich in dich verliebt” can be translated to “I have fallen in love with you”.

The differences are, admittedly, pretty small. But try to think of it as a tentative way to express your very strong like for someone. You’re not quite all the way in love yet, but you’re getting there.

Of the two expressions, “Ich habe mich in dich verliebt” seems to be the one that’s a bit more definite, since the development of feelings has already taken place.

Example: “Ich glaube, ich habe mich in dich verliebt.” (“I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”)

[If you feel like being extra vague.]

3. Ich hab’ dich lieb

If you are looking for a more innocent way of expressing your like for someone, or if you’re talking to a very close friend or a parent, “Ich hab’ dich lieb” (more common than “Ich habe dich lieb”) is probably your best choice.

“Ich hab’ dich lieb” roughly translates to “I like you lots” (if you want to translate it literally, it could be translated as “I have love for you”).

You can also use it to show a romantic interest in someone when you’re not ready — or too shy — to say “Ich liebe dich” or “Ich habe mich in dich verliebt”.

4. Ich mag dich

“Ich mag dich” is the German way of saying “I like you”. In most cases, it is used in more of a friendly context, but can sometimes be used to indicate romantic interest, especially when you are too shy to talk about love (yet). Think of the rather awkward teenage stage: this would be the typical time when a phrase like “Ich mag dich” can be used.

Most of the time, “Ich mag dich” is an enthusiastic way to express you like someone in a friendly way, for example, because you have the same taste in music or e.g. because he or she is also a huge fan of DC Comics.

Example: “Du bist auch ein Fan von Batman? Ich mag dich!” — (“You like Batman, too? I like you!”)

5. Du gefällst mir

While not exactly a way to say “I love you” in German, “Du gefällst mir” is a phrase that might come in handy when trying to explain that you fancy (admire) someone. The expression is a bit hard to translate, the literal translation actually is “you please me”. This can refer to someone’s looks, but also to their personality if you discover that you share similar interests — though it is commonly used when talking about someone’s appearance rather than personality.

Since the translated phrase “you please me” sounds a bit off in English compared to the German original, it is better to use the translation “I like you” or “you are lovely” for this phrase.

Just be aware that in German, there is a difference between the phrase “Ich mag dich” and “Du gefällst mir”.

Example: “Marc sieht gut aus. Er gefällt mir.” (“Marc looks good. I like him.” or “Marc looks good. He is lovely.”)*

[*Although again, it is probably best to consider who you’re talking about when deciding whether to use “I like you” or “you are lovely”.]

Source: https://www.clozemaster.com/blog/i-love-you-in-german/