German Conversation · Level 20
90 words
German word
lieb
Pronunciation
IPA/liːp/
Meaning
- adjectivekind
Example
Er ist sehr lieb.
He is very kind.
More examples
Danke, das ist lieb.
Thanks, that's kind.
Core concept
A warm, gentle presence that inspires affection and treats others with care.
Common phrases
lieb sein
be kind
lieb von dir
kind of you
Similar words
nett: Friendly and polite, with a pleasantly helpful manner.
freundlich: Showing a friendly attitude and thoughtful regard for others.
herzlich: Marked by sincere warmth and personal friendliness.
sympathisch: Having a nature that makes spending time together enjoyable.
Definition in German
freundlich und warmherzig; zeigt Zuneigung oder Rücksicht gegenüber anderen
Word origin
Lieb comes from inherited Germanic *leubaz, related to English 'love', and originally meant dear or beloved before developing its modern uses.
Usage tips
- In 'Wie lieb von dir!', 'lieb' praises a considerate action as 'kind of you' and sounds warmer and more personal than a neutral description of kindness.