Valentine’s Day in Germany- Does Germany Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

When February rolls around, I get asked, “Do Germans celebrate Valentine’s Day?” and “How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Germany?” I’m unsure whether I’m getting the question from people who want to do something “German” for Valentine’s Day or from people who want to use a negative response to get out of celebrating Valentine’s Day (yes, I’m looking at you).

So let me clarify things a bit: “YES, some Germans do celebrate Valentine’s Day, and others don’t.” 

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Germany is a fairly recent phenomenon, and like other “imported holidays,” there is some acceptance (see my post on Halloween). Whether you want to celebrate or not is up to you. However, if your significant other wants to celebrate, I suggest you go along and not make comments like “It’s a Hallmark Holiday” or “The flower stores invented it.” I promise your day will go much smoother.

Ich Liebe Dich, Gift Card, Greetings Card, With Handmade Pewter Heart Love Token, by William Sturt

Do Germans Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

History of Valentine’s Day in Germany

What we have come to know as Valentine’s Day was originally a Roman celebration called  Lupercalia. On February 15th, to celebrate Spring and Fertility, (presumably) single women would put their names in an Urn, and the men would choose their partner for the year by drawing names. Naturally, the Christian Church needed to put a stop to this. To Christianize the day, February 14th was designated St. Valentine’s Day to commemorate the death of martyred St Valentinus. The confusing part is that there were three different Saints named Valentinus… but since all three did romantic things in the name of love, it still works. The most famous Valentinus fell in love with his jailer’s daughter and sent her notes signed “From your Valentine,” which is why we have cards with that sentiment.

(Now, all of you who are pointing out the parallel between a man in jail writing notes and men today being  forced to shop for cards can just stop it!)

But what does that have to do with Germany?

Frankly, not much.

Valentine’s Day, with its tradition of sending cards and giving gifts of love, became popular in France and England during the Middle Ages. Still, somehow, it missed Germany, at least until after World War II, when the French, English, and Americans occupied Germany. They brought along some of their traditions (a bit like Halloween). The first Valentine’s Ball took place in Nuremberg in 1950. From there, things started to grow.

How is Valentine’s day celebrated in Germany?

Valentine’s Day is not a HUGE German holiday… in fact, less than 40% of Germans will give their special someone a present. You’ve got to hand it to the romantic Bavarians though, over 50% of them celebrate!

One main difference between German and American Valentine’s Day celebrations… it tends to be an adult holiday… which means no cartoon cards with a candy hearts stuck onto it.

That’s not to say that it isn’t sweet… People do exchange cards, give flowers (flowers are always a favorite in Germany!), or go to dinner. Lebkuchen Hearts with loving sayings are hugely popular. Valentine’s Day is a time for romance!

Sending flowers to someone you love in Germany? Get 10% off!Use coupon code: VALENTIN

German Valentines Sayings

Want to say I Love you like a German? Learn these sweet expressions and whisper them into your special someone’s ear….

Valentine’s Day= der Valentinstag  
“Alles Liebe zum Valentinstag” (all of my love for Valentine’s Day)

Love= die Liebe
“Ich liebe Dich” (I love you)

Kiss= der Kuss
“Ich möchte dich küssen” (I want to kiss you)

Flower= die Blume
“Ich schenke dir Blumen,weil ich Dich mag/liebe.” (I give you flowers, because I like/love you)

Heart= das Herz
“Du bist in meinem Herzen” ( You are in my heart)

Sweetie= Liebchen /Süße

Angel= Engel

Treasure= Schatz

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German Valentine Day Cards

Because sometimes a card says it all… There are quite a few German Valentine Cards to choose from, you are certain to find the right one for you and your special someone.

Valentine’s Card with Envelope I Love You, Scratch Card for Valentine’s DayPostcard “I Love You to the Moon”, Valentine’s Card,

Delicious Valentine Gifts

And you can’t go wrong with Sweets for your Sweetie!

 

Haribo HerzbebenGermanShop24Haribo Love HeartsGermanShop24MonCheri 30 PieceGermanShop24

 

German Valentine’s Day Gifts

Looking for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your favorite German girl or boy?
Whatever you choose, be sure to include the words… “Ich liebe Dich”….

Ich Liebe Dich MugIch Liebe Dich Sterling Silver Ring – 925 “I love you” in German RingIch Liebe Dich Bis Zum Mond Und Zurück I Love You To The Moon and Back German Celestial Pendant

Made to Order LebkuchenHerz, Lebkuchenherzen, German Gingerbread Heart, Oktoberfest Heart EarringsOktoberfest Heart Cookie Sticker – Lebkuchenherzen, Ich Liebe Dich Sticker,

 

 

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I hope I answered the question “Do Germans Celebrate Valentine’s Day for you!

However you choose to celebrate… I wish you all  Alles Liebe zum Valentinstag!