German word

Liebling

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈliːplɪŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsweetheart

Example

Sie ist mein Liebling seit der Schulzeit.

She has been my sweetheart since our school days.

Illustration for Liebling (sweetheart)

More examples

Seit Jahren nenne ich sie meinen Liebling.

For years I have called her my sweetheart.

Core concept

A cherished person, pet, or thing kept especially close to the heart.

Common phrases

  • mein Liebling

    my sweetheart

  • der Liebling meines Herzens

    the sweetheart of my heart

Similar words

Schatz: A tender term of address for someone loved or valued.
Freund: Someone known through a close personal friendship.
Lieblingsmensch: A close person regarded as especially dear and important.
Partner: The person involved in a romantic relationship or marriage.

Definition in German

Wort für eine Person, ein Haustier oder einen Gegenstand, dem man starke Zuneigung entgegenbringt und das man liebevoll nennt.

Word origin

Liebling combines the Germanic adjective lieb, meaning dear or beloved, with the noun-forming suffix -ling.

Usage tips

  • Liebling is masculine, with the plural Lieblinge, and its affectionate tone can sound romantic when used for a person.

Other meanings

  • favoritenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word