verb

lieben

love

Ein sehr starkes Gefühl, bei dem man einer Person oder Sache viel Zuneigung zeigt und sich eng mit ihr verbunden fühlt.

Definition & meaning

The verb lieben is the German equivalent of "to love." It encompasses a range of emotional states:

  1. Romantic or platonic affection: To hold someone or something very dear, to have deep feelings of love for a person (a partner, a family member, or a friend).
  2. Preference or passion: To really enjoy doing something or to have a great fondness for a particular thing, hobby, or food. For example, "Ich liebe Schokolade" (I love chocolate).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • It is a weak (regular) verb.
  • Conjugation: ich liebe, du liebst, er/sie/es liebt, wir lieben, ihr liebt, sie/Sie lieben.
  • Past tense (Präteritum): liebte.
  • Past participle (Partizip II): geliebt.

Word origin:

  • The word originates from the Old High German liubōn, which is related to the Germanic root leubaz (meaning dear or friendly). It shares the same etymological roots as the English word "love."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • verehren (to adore/worship)
  • anbeten (to adore/idolize)
  • gern haben (to be fond of)
  • schätzen (to cherish/appreciate)

Antonyms:

  • hassen (to hate)
  • verabscheuen (to detest/loathe)
  • verschmähen (to disdain/scorn)

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Examples

Ich liebe dich.verb

I love you.

Wir lieben diesen Ort.verb

We love this place.

Kinder lieben warme Sommerabende.verb

Children love warm summer evenings.

Wir lieben Bücher.verb

We love books.

Liebst du deine Katze?verb

Do you love your cat?

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