How to say “I love you” in German
,,Ich liebe dich”
This directly translates to “I love you”. However, you wouldn’t say that to someone you like. It’s okay to say Ich liebe dich to someone you are close to. For example: your significant other. Saying Ich liebe dich shows that you trust them.
,,Ich hab’ dich lieb/ Ich habe dich lieb”
Is an innocent way to tell that you love someone. You’d use this when talking to a friend or parent. It directly translates to “I have love for you”. However, some native speakers might explain it as someone being a part of all the love they have. You can also use this phrase when you are not quite ready to tell your crush about the feelings you have for them.
,,Ich mag dich”
Directly translates to “I like you”. You’d use this in a more platonic context. It’s sometimes used as a way to indicate romantic interest.
Example: “We share the same humour, Ich mag dich.”
,,Ich habe mich in dich verliebt.”
Translates to something like “I have fallen in love with you.” You’d use this when you are 100% sure about your feelings. It shows that the “process” of falling in love is complete. If you are in the middle of falling in love, you’d use ,,Ich bin in dich verliebt.” (=I am falling in love with you”)
