Kitty & YogeshBeing in love is one of the best things to experience in this world. Learning how to say I Love You in Dutch is not that hard at all to show your special someone just how much you care. However, just like in any culture, certain phrases apply to particular situations. Read up and learn when to use which romantic phrase below.
How to Say I Love You in Dutch – Most Common Expressions
The most common way to say I Love You in Dutch is to use the following expressions. Note that both genders can use these phrases, and either gender can respond with them.
#1 Ik hou van jou
Ik hou van jou translates to I love you. It is the most common and direct of all the ways you can say you love someone in Dutch.
By now, you probably know that the Dutch interpret whatever you say literally. As such, only use this phrase if you’re certain of your feelings for someone.
#2 Ik ben verliefd op jou
Ik ben verliefd op jou translates to I’m in love with you. It conveys the same meaning as the phrase above. However, if Ik hou van jou is a declaration, then Ik ben verliefd op jou can be considered a confession (of one’s love).
#3 Ik hou het meest van jou
Ik hou het meest van jou translates to I love you the most.
Note that this phrase is not reserved for one’s partner or spouse. You can say this too to family members and even to your closest friends.
#4 Je bent de liefde van mijn leven
Je bent de liefde van mijn leven translates to You are the love of my life. You would normally use this phrase for someone you consider as your ‘greatest love’. That is, you love and adore the other person more than any other individual you have ever loved.
#5 Ik hou zielsveel van jou
Ik hou zielsveel van jou translates to I love you with all my heart and soul. Use this phrase if you want to impart to the other person that your feelings run much deeper than the basic “I love you” can convey.
Not Quite Ready to Say I Love You in Dutch Yet?
Declaring your love for someone is a big step so if you’re not quite ready to declare I Love You in Dutch yet, then perhaps the following phrases are more applicable.
#6 Ik vind je leuk
Ik vind je leuk translates literally to I find you nice, which sounds a bit subdued. However, when you say this, the emotion you’re expressing to the other person is I like you A LOT or I really like you. In short, your feelings are now beyond ‘just friendship’.
#7 Ik vind je lief
Ik vind je lief translates literally to I find you sweet. This phrase is considered a ‘stronger’ emotion than saying I find you nice to someone.
#8 Je betekend veel voor mij
Je betekend veel voor mij translates to You mean a lot to me. When you say this to someone, you’re stating that you consider the other person ‘very special’ in your life. It’s the perfect phrase to say just before you finally declare – Ik hou van jou (love you).
I Love You In Dutch Quick Sheet
| Occasion/Context | Dutch | English |
|---|---|---|
| You want to declare your love. | Ik hou van jou | I love you |
| You want to confess your love. | Ik ben verliefd op jou | I’m in love with you |
| Can be said to family/closest friends. | Ik hou het meest van jou | I love you the most |
| You love the other person more than anyone in your life. | Je bent de liefde van mijn leven | You are the love of my life |
| Express a deeper emotion than saying ‘I love you’. | Ik hou zielsveel van jou | I love you with all my heart and soul |
| Express that your feelings are now beyond friendship. | Ik vind je leuk | I like you a lot / I really like you |
| Express a stronger emotion than liking someone. | Ik vind je lief | I find you sweet / You’re sweet |
| Perfect phrase to say just before declaring ‘I love you’. | Je betekend veel voor mij | You mean a lot to me |
