zärtlich
tender, affectionate, gentle
Intermediate Adjective
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Pronunciation
/ˈtsɛːɐ̯tlɪç/
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Cultural Note
Zärtlich describes a soft, gentle kind of affection — tender touches, gentle words, loving care. 'Zärtlichkeit' (tenderness) is highly valued in German relationship culture. The word conveys emotional warmth and physical gentleness without implying overt sexuality. It is often used to describe how someone touches, speaks to, or looks at their partner.
📝 Example Sentences
Er streichelte zärtlich ihr Gesicht.
He tenderly stroked her face.
Sie ist eine sehr zärtliche Person.
She is a very affectionate person.
Ein zärtlicher Blick sagt mehr als tausend Worte.
A tender glance says more than a thousand words.
📊 Adjective Forms
| Gender | Form |
|---|---|
| base | zärtlich |
| comparative | zärtlicher |
| predicative | zärtlich |
| superlative | am zärtlichsten |