die
Liebeserklärung
💖 What Exactly is a Liebeserklärung?
Die Liebeserklärung (feminine noun) refers to the explicit, often emotional communication to another person that one loves them. It's a confession or declaration of romantic feelings.
There's only one article, 'die', for this word because it clearly refers to a specific type of declaration (Erklärung), which is grammatically feminine in German (derived from die Erklärung).
🚨 Be careful not to confuse it with a simple Kompliment (compliment). A Liebeserklärung goes deeper and expresses strong romantic affection.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
📚 Grammar in Detail: Die Liebeserklärung
The word "Liebeserklärung" is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Liebeserklärung |
| Genitive | der | Liebeserklärung |
| Dative | der | Liebeserklärung |
| Accusative | die | Liebeserklärung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Liebeserklärungen |
| Genitive | der | Liebeserklärungen |
| Dative | den | Liebeserklärungen |
| Accusative | die | Liebeserklärungen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Seine Liebeserklärung kam völlig unerwartet. (His declaration of love came completely unexpectedly.)
- Sie schrieb ihm eine lange Liebeserklärung in einem Brief. (She wrote him a long declaration of love in a letter.)
- Manche Liebeserklärungen sind leise, andere ganz öffentlich. (Some declarations of love are quiet, others quite public.)
🗣️ How to Use "Liebeserklärung"?
The term die Liebeserklärung is used almost exclusively in the context of romantic relationships. It describes the act of confessing one's love to someone.
- Context: Romantic relationships, literature, film, personal conversations about feelings.
- Intensity: Expresses a strong, serious emotion.
- Form: Can be verbal, written (Brief - letter, Gedicht - poem), or through a symbolic gesture.
Compared to "Ich hab dich lieb" (more friendly or familial 'I love you') or "Ich mag dich" ('I like you', less intense), a "Liebeserklärung" (often involving "Ich liebe dich" - 'I love you') is the strongest declaration.
💡 Mnemonics for "Liebeserklärung"
Article Mnemonic: Remember that Erklärung (declaration) is feminine ("die Erklärung"). Since a Liebeserklärung is a special type of declaration, it takes the same article: die Liebeserklärung. Think of making a declaration as something grand, maybe like a 'diva' making a statement - 'die' Diva.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone presenting their love (Liebe) as a clear, formal explanation or declaration (Erklärung). Combine the parts: Love + Declaration = Liebeserklärung.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Das Liebesgeständnis: Very similar, emphasizes the act of confessing.
- Der Liebesschwur: Similar, but often more formal and involves a vow or promise.
- Die Zuneigungsbekundung: More general expression of affection, can include non-romantic affection.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Die Ablehnung: Rejection (of feelings or a person).
- Die Hassbekundung: Declaration of hate (direct opposite).
- Die Gleichgültigkeitserklärung: Declaration of indifference.
⚠️ Caution: A Kompliment (compliment) is not a Liebeserklärung; it's a praising remark about a quality or action.
😂 A Little Joke
German: Warum machen Informatiker die besten Liebeserklärungen? Weil sie sagen: "Für dich würde ich sogar meinen Code kommentieren!" 😉
English: Why do computer scientists make the best declarations of love? Because they say: "For you, I would even comment my code!" 😉
📜 A Little Poem
German:
Ein Wort, so schwer, ein Wort so rein,
soll meine tiefste Wahrheit sein.
Kein Flüstern nur, kein leiser Hauch,
die Liebeserklärung, braucht's jetzt auch.
Mein Herz spricht laut, hörst du es nicht?
"Ich liebe dich" in hellem Licht.
English Translation:
A word so heavy, a word so pure,
shall be my deepest truth, secure.
Not just a whisper, not a gentle sigh,
the declaration of love, is needed now, oh my.
My heart speaks loud, don't you hear its plea?
"I love you" in bright light for thee.
❓ Riddle Time
German:
Ich bestehe aus Gefühl und Wort,
trage Herzen von Ort zu Ort.
Mal bin ich leise, mal ganz laut,
hab' schon manchen Mut vertraut.
Man gibt mich preis, oft mit Beben,
um tiefe Zuneigung zu geben.
Was bin ich?
English:
I consist of feeling and of word,
carrying hearts, haven't you heard?
Sometimes I'm quiet, sometimes loud,
entrusted with courage by the crowd.
I'm revealed, often with a tremble near,
to give affection deep and dear.
What am I?
Solution: Die Liebeserklärung (The declaration of love)
🧩 Further Insights
Word Composition:
The word is a compound noun (Kompositum), formed from:
Together, the meaning is: A declaration or statement of love.
Cultural Aspect:
In German culture, a Liebeserklärung can be seen as very significant and sometimes something that should be well-considered. The direct phrase "Ich liebe dich" (I love you) is often perceived as very strong and meaningful.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Liebeserklärung?
The word "Liebeserklärung" is always feminine. The correct article is die Liebeserklärung (plural: die Liebeserklärungen).