Want to talk about your favorite book, your favorite food — or your favorite person? Then you need to know how to say favorite in German. This word captures both emotional closeness and personal preference.

The word is der Liebling. It’s masculine, and the plural is die Lieblinge. You’ll hear it used both affectionately (like "darling") and in expressions of preference, like Lieblingsfilm or Lieblingsfarbe. Not sure about articles and gender? My gender video lesson will help you get it sorted quickly.

Liebling is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it’s one of the most charming and personal words you can learn.

Examples in all four cases:

Nominative:
Mein Liebling ist dieser Apfelkuchen.
My favorite is this apple pie.

Accusative:
Ich wähle den Liebling der Jury.
I choose the judges’ favorite.

Dative:
Ich schreibe meinem Liebling eine Nachricht.
I’m writing a message to my sweetheart.

Genitive:
Die Meinung meines Lieblings zählt am meisten.
My favorite person’s opinion matters most.

Where you’ll hear Liebling:

• Lieblingsessen – favorite food

• Lieblingsfilm – favorite movie

• Lieblingsfarbe – favorite color

• Lieblingsmensch – favorite person

• Lieblingstier – favorite animal

• Just “Liebling!” – used like “darling” or “honey”

Common verbs: lieben (love), nennen (call), sein (be), bleiben (stay), vergessen (forget — rarely!)
Adjectives: mein, klein, einziger, geheimer, besonderer

Note: You’ll often see Liebling paired with another noun to form compounds. These are easy to understand and very expressive — and they’re great for building vocabulary.

Beginner dialogue using Liebling:

A: Wer ist dein Liebling in der Klasse?
B: Lisa. Sie ist immer nett zu mir.
A: Who’s your favorite in the class?
B: Lisa. She’s always nice to me.

Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Liebling.

“Wer ist dein Liebling — und warum?”
Who is your favorite — and why?

This is a word that works best when it's emotionally connected to something real for you.

Duden entry for “Liebling”

German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say favorite in German — and how der Liebling opens the door to both emotional expression and everyday favorites.

Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and make your favorite words unforgettable.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Lehrer — and learn how to describe the people who guide and instruct.
Or revisit Mantel — to talk about style, warmth, and weather.