zärtlich
tender
In a gentle, loving, and emotional way. It describes an action or gesture that expresses affection.
EXAMPLE
Er gab ihr einen zärtlichen Kuss auf die Stirn.
He gave her a tender kiss on the forehead.
zärtlich
tender
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Meanings
zärtlich
delicate
Fine, sensitive, or fragile. This meaning is rarer and more poetic or figurative.
EXAMPLE
Die Pflanze hat zärtliche, junge Triebe, die leicht abbrechen.
The plant has delicate young shoots that break off easily.
Usage tips
Word family
'Zärtlich' (tender) is closely related to the adjective 'zart' (delicate, tender). While 'zart' often describes a quality, 'zärtlich' usually describes a loving action or gesture.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter streichelte zärtlich über das weiche Haar ihres Babys.
The mother tenderly stroked her baby's soft hair.
Use as an adverb
'Zärtlich' (tenderly) is very often used as an adverb to describe a verb. It answers the question 'Wie?' (How?) and expresses a loving manner.
EXAMPLE
Er sah sie zärtlich an.
He looked at her tenderly.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'zärtlich' (tender) is often combined with gestures of affection: a tender embrace, a tender kiss, tender words, or a tender touch.
EXAMPLE
Zum Abschied gab es eine lange, zärtliche Umarmung.
At the farewell, there was a long, tender embrace.
Register note
The meaning 'fein' (fine) or 'zerbrechlich' (fragile) is rare and is used mainly in poetry or in very figurative language. In everyday language, this meaning is unusual.
EXAMPLE
Im Frühling zeigen sich die ersten zärtlichen Blätter an den Bäumen.
In spring, the first delicate leaves appear on the trees.
Compare with
zärtlich vs liebevoll
loving / careful
Liebevoll (loving) and zärtlich (tender) both express affection. Zärtlich emphasizes a gentle, emotional, and often physical gesture. Liebevoll highlights a warm and caring attitude more generally. Zärtlich is often suitable for a gentle touch, while liebevoll can also describe warm-hearted affection and care.
zärtlich
Die Mutter streicht ihrem müden Kind zärtlich über die Wange.
The mother tenderly strokes her tired child's cheek.
liebevoll
Die Mutter deckt ihr müdes Kind liebevoll zu.
The mother lovingly tucks in her tired child.
In real life
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