What's the difference between "hab dich lieb" and "ich liebe dich"?

Question

And if someone who's said "ich liebe dich" to one in the past, says "hab dich lieb" once, should one worry?

Answer 1

lizzie got it right

And, no you should not worry.

I personally find "ich hab dich lieb" even more intimate and less stilted.

Answer 2

But mean the same and there's no need to worry.

To me "Ich liebe dich" always sounds like a line from a play or a movie - a little bit pathetic, it never comes out right if not spoken by an actor and you need an armlength distance to say it.
"hab' dich lieb" is a little bit warmer, more spontaneous something you you whisper in your love's ear when hugging

"I love you" is much better to be whispered than "Ich liebe dich". In German there is one syllable too many in it.

Answer 3

I´m sorry to say that :

(Ich) hab(e) dich lieb = means somewhat like " I care for you and like you"

Ich liebe dich = I love you

But I´m sorry, there is a difference between the two sentences. Why not ask the person who had said those words to you, what the person means. I hope I´m wrong, ask and get an answer by the person you are thinking of.

Answer 4

Hab dich lieb may be an indicator of immaturity or if it comes to the worse of a superficial relationship - if it happens too often.
But many people say hab dich lieb just to "confirm" that they are still in love with their partner whilst in the public or any other social situation.
Aus Köln.

Answer 5

Essentially they mean the same thing.
Ich habe dich lieb= You are dear to me.
Ich liebe dich = I love you. ( more romantic )

I wouldn't worry. I think that if the person who said it to you meant it in a romantic way, you would know. It woulf be the look on their face and the feeling in their voice. Just make sure you don't respond in kind unless that's what you mean.

Answer 6

theyre the same, both present tens. its just a slightly different way of saying it.