Liebe

noun
love, affection
A2

Liebe (die) means 'love' or 'affection', primarily an abstract, usually uncountable noun (die Liebe). Plural Lieben exists but often refers to 'loved ones' (die Lieben). Declines regularly. No special preposition. Common in phrases (Ich liebe dich; liebe Grüße). Use context to judge countability.

Examples

Die Liebe zwischen ihnen ist sehr stark.
The love between them is very strong.
Meine Liebe zu dir ist groß.
My love for you is great.
Der Roman beschrieb die Liebe, die viele Leser berührte, obwohl die Handlung kompliziert war.
The novel described the love that touched many readers, although the plot was complicated.

Details

PluralLieben

Declension

CaseSingularPlural
nominativedie Liebedie Lieben
genitiveder Liebeder Lieben
dativeder Liebeden Lieben
accusativedie Liebedie Lieben

Mnemonics

👁️imagine a heart labeled 'Liebe' to recall meaning
👂sounds like English 'lee-buh' — think 'love' with a soft ending
⚧️die Liebe — feminine: imagine a woman holding a heart (die)

Notes

Usually an uncountable/abstract noun in German; plural is rare but possible ('die Lieben' for loved ones).

Category

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