01
herzlich
warm / cordial
In a very friendly, warm, and open way that comes from the heart. Often used in greetings, invitations, or congratulations.
example
Herzlich willkommen in unserem neuen Haus!
A warm welcome to our new house!
herzlich
warm / heartfelt
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'herzlich' (warm/heartfelt) is derived from the noun 'das Herz' (the heart). It describes an action or feeling that figuratively 'comes from the heart' and is therefore perceived as sincere and warm.
EXAMPLE
Er begrüßte seine Gäste mit einer herzlichen Umarmung.
He greeted his guests with a warm hug.
Fixed expressions
'Herzlich' (warm/heartfelt) is very often used in fixed expressions for greetings, wishes, and thanks. Typical examples are 'herzlich willkommen' (a warm welcome), 'herzlichen Glückwunsch' (congratulations), or 'herzlichen Dank' (many heartfelt thanks).
EXAMPLE
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!
Happy birthday!
Adverbial use
'Herzlich' (warmly/heartily) can also be used as an adverb to describe a verb. It then means 'in a warm/heartfelt way' and expresses a deep, honest emotion.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Witz mussten alle herzlich lachen.
After the joke, everyone had to laugh heartily.
Context clue (ironic)
You can recognize the colloquial, ironic meaning from the context. Here, 'herzlich' (completely/utterly) usually appears together with words like 'egal' (doesn't matter) or 'gleichgültig' (indifferent) to strongly emphasize disinterest.
EXAMPLE
Was die anderen über mich denken, ist mir herzlich egal.
What others think about me couldn't matter less to me.
Compare with
herzlich vs lieb
nice / dear
'lieb' and 'herzlich' can both express warmth and closeness. 'lieb' often describes a nice, kind-hearted person or is used in personal forms of address, for example 'Liebe Anna' (Dear Anna). 'herzlich' is stronger and emphasizes that something is open, warm, and comes from the heart. It fits especially well with greetings, invitations, congratulations, thanks, or sympathy. Learners may confuse the words because both sound friendly. 'lieb' is more likely to fit a person or personal relationship, while 'herzlich' is more likely to fit a warm way of saying or doing something.
herzlich
Nach dem Spiel gratulierte der Trainer der Mannschaft herzlich.
After the game, the coach warmly congratulated the team.
lieb
Mein Nachbar ist lieb zu den Kindern und repariert manchmal ihre Fahrräder.
My neighbor is kind to the children and sometimes repairs their bikes.
In real life
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