Language Learning with SongsLanguage Learningwith Songs
Start free

German words for kids · Family

How to say “I love you” in German

It's the phrase parents most want to hear, and one kids love to say. Many languages have a special, warm way to say it to family.

I love you in German

ich hab dich lieb

Sounds like ≈ ikh hahp dikh LEEP

also: hab dich liebalso: ich liebe dich

Good to know: Ich hab dich lieb is the warm family "I love you" that parents say to children. Ich liebe dich is stronger and mostly romantic.

Hear it in a song

Real lines from our German songs, with the English meaning shown in the app:

4 songs that teach it

“I love you” is one of the key words in these songs. Every line is shown in German with its English meaning.

Practice ideas for parents

  1. 1Make ich hab dich lieb part of your bedtime goodnight, every night.
  2. 2Draw hearts together and say the phrase with each one.
  3. 3Leave a little note in a lunchbox with the phrase and a heart.

Related German words

family· Familie good night· gute Nacht mom· Mama grandma· OmaAll German words →

“I love you” in other languages

Sing it in German, free

The first unit, 6 greeting songs with lyrics and English translation, is free forever. No card needed. Premium unlocks all 134 songs.

Start free — no card

About the pronunciation: the “sounds like” spellings are rough English approximations for parents (capital letters show the stressed syllable). Germanhas sounds English doesn't, so treat them as a starting point and let the songs be the model. Songs are original and produced with AI music tools. Ideas for using German songs with your family.