Wer sich liebt, der neckt sich

/veːɐ̯ zɪç liːpt deːɐ̯ nɛkt zɪç/◆proverb

Love is shown through playful teasing

Zwischen den beiden gibt es immer viel Neckerei, aber das zeigt nur, wie sehr sie sich lieben.

There's always a lot of teasing between them, but it just shows how much they love each other.

◆ What It Really Means

Affectionate teasing is a sign of deep love and closeness between people.

¶ Literal Meaning

Those who love each other, they tease each other.

Literal Breakdown

Wer sich liebtThose who love each other+der neckt sichthey tease each other

◇ Mental Image

The mental image is of two people playfully teasing each other, laughing and joking in a way that shows their bond.

◈ When to Use

A couple argues after one teases the other, and one says, 'Wer sich liebt, der neckt sich,' to show it was just affectionate.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects the German cultural value of humor and playfulness in relationships, where teasing is seen as a sign of comfort and intimacy.

informal

This proverb suggests that affectionate teasing is a sign of deep love and familiarity between people, particularly romantic partners or close friends.

Nach Jahren der Ehe necken sie sich noch immer wie Teenager.

After years of marriage, they still tease each other like teenagers.

Er hat mich heute wieder geneckt, aber ich weiß, dass er mich liebt.

He teased me again today, but I know he loves me.

This expression is often used to reassure someone that teasing is a sign of affection, not hostility.

Collocations

sich neckento tease each other

Synonyms

Liebe zeigt sich im Neckischsein Wer sich liebt, der scherzt miteinander

Antonyms

Wer sich hasst, der beleidigt sich

Love and hate are closely related

Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In German culture, this proverb highlights the importance of humor and playfulness in relationships.

Gold Rule

Usage Rule

Use this phrase to reassure someone that teasing is a sign of affection, not malice.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from German folklore and reflects the cultural value of playful interaction as a sign of closeness.

Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used to explain why people in love might tease each other in a lighthearted way. It's often used to defuse tension when teasing might seem harsh.

Word Breakdown

Wer sich liebt

those who love each other

phrase

der neckt sich

they tease each other