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

It’s that time of year when I get asked, “Do Germans celebrate Valentine’s Day?” and “How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Germay”? Now… I’m not sure if I’m getting the question by people who want to do something “German” for Valentine’s Day… or because people want to use a negative to get OUT of celebrating Valentine’s Day (yes, I’m looking at you…)
So let me clear things up a bit by saying… YES, some Germans do celebrate Valentine’s Day… others don’t.

Let me explain… The history of Valentine’s day in Germany is a fairly recent… but 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 a lot smoother).

Ich Liebe Dich, Gift Card, Greetings Card, With Handmade Pewter Heart Love Token, by William SturtIch Liebe Dich, Gift Card, Greetings Card, With Handmade Pewter Heart Love Token, by William SturtIch 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 Pagan 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. In order to Christianize the day, it was designated, St. Valentine’s day, to commemorate the death of martyred St Valentinus. The confusing part is that there were actually 3 different Saints named Valentinus… but since all three did romantic things in the name of love…. it kind of works. The most famous Valentinus fell in love with his jailers daughter, and sent her notes signed “From your Valentine”…. and that’s 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 todaybeing  forced to shop for cards can just stop it!)

But what does that have to do with Germany?

Frankly, not much.

Valentine’s Day, sending cards, and giving gifts of love became popular in France and England during the Middle Ages, but 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). In fact, the first Valentine’s Ball took place in Nuremburg in 1950. From there, things started to grow.

How is Valentine’s day celebrated in Germany?

So, Valentine’s Day is not a HUGE German holiday… in fact, less than 40% of Germans will give their special someone a present. (Got to hand it to the Bavarians though, over 50% of them celebrate!).Sending flowers to someone you love in Germany? Get 10% off!

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 Necco Heart 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!

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

Delicious Valentine Gifts

Remember, the way to anyone’s heart is through the stomach. Why not spend a romantic evening in? Gift baskets filled with tasty treats make it simple! Perhaps the most romantic Valentine’s Day gift of all? A food trip to Germany. This Little Bit of Germany Gift Box comes with Bratwurst, Smoked Ammerlander, Emmental, and Cambozola Cheese, Löwensenf, Dark German bread, Jam, and a Liqueur soaked cake for dessert… and some Brandy Cherries for fun! All you need for 2!

A Little Bit of Germany Gift BoxA Little Bit of Germany Gift Boxigourmet

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

Lebkuchen Heart Ich Habe Dich Soooo LiebLebkuchen Heart Ich Habe Dich Soooo LiebGermanShop24I Love you with my whole heartI Love you with my whole heartGermanShop24

 

 

German Valentine’s Day Gifts

Looking for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your favorite German girl or boy?
-Flowers are always appropriate (especially Roses!).
-Lately, good luck piggies, especially those holding hearts or 4 leaf clovers, have become popular gifts for your Valentine.
Lebkuchen Hearts with romantic sayings
Heart Shaped Mozard Chocolates 
-A piece of jewelry
-A nice card

Whatever you choose, be sure to include the words… “Ich liebe Dich”….

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

 

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Sending flowers in the US?

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with flowers….

 

 

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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!

do germans celebrate valentines day

 

 

8 thoughts on “Valentine’s Day in Germany- Does Germany Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

  1. Hi, i am an German exchange student in america right now, and just wanna add to your post, that not everybody in germany is celebrating the valentines day. as example i’m coming from hamburg pretty much in the north, and there is barliy somebody who celebreta that, so jst sayin maybe u should update your articel a little bit to be more specific.

  2. My girlfriend is German and I’m trying to do something cute. Thank you

  3. Too many years ago when I first arrived in Germany as an exchange student and my knowledge of German, not to mention Middle High German was still more non-existent than barely smattering. A very forward German Student in a Minnesänger course found something in the literature that he printed off in his hasty Calligraphy and laid in one of my books. ” Ich bin din, Du bist min. Du bist geschlossen in mine Herzen und verloren ist das Schlüsselin! (Or something like that. Taking a MHG course when modern German was still a mystery to me was not one of my brighter moves.)

  4. Thanks for sharing this amazing guide about celebrating Valentine’s day in Germany.A very helpful and informative article.I really appreciate your research.

    1. It’s only annoying when people give me a hard time about it. Mostly, it’s just a name

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