On Thursday, February 19, the German Club celebrated Valentine’s Day with a small party. At this meeting, club members learned about Valentine traditions in Germany and were shown how to make small crafts.
In Germany, most Valentine traditions include giving away heart-shaped ginger cookies (Lebkuchenherzen) to loved ones, red roses, special gifts, handwritten cards (Valentinskarten), and often small tokens of luck. Germans typically prefer smaller displays of genuine affection compared to the more bold gifts or extravagant acts of love that are often romanticized in America.
At the German Club party, students made clay pig keychains to celebrate the holiday. Pigs are often seen as a symbol of luck and are often given to loved ones or friends as an affectionate gesture on Holidays or important events such as birthdays or exams. Members were also taught various Valentine’s Day phrases and sentences that can often be heard around this holiday in Germany.
Common Phrases for Loved Ones
“Ich hab dich lieb” – I love you. This is a way to express your love for friends and family. This is the familiar way to speak to someone close to you without any romantic intentions.
“Du bedeutest mir sehr viel.” – You mean a lot to me.
“Ich liebe dich” – I love you. This is used romantically instead of familiar. This is a way of declaring romantic love for a partner.
“Du bist mein Ein und Alles” – You are my everything.
“Mein Herz gehört dir.” – My heart belongs to you.
Common Greetings
“Ich wünsche dir einen wunderschönen Valentinstag.” – I wish you a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
“Zum Valentinstag alles Liebe.” – Much love on Valentine’s Day.
“Möchtest du mein Valentin sein?” – Would you like to be my Valentine?
Terms of Endearment
“Mein Schatz” – My treasure/darling
“Liebling” – Darling/favorite
“Knuddelbär” – Cuddle bear
“Süße/Süßer” – Sweetie (feminine and masculine)
“Herzblatt” – Heart’s delight
“Kieblingsmensch” – Favorite person
“Augenstern” – Star of my eye (Apple of my eye)
“Sonnenschein” – Sunshine
