Celebrating Valentine's Day in Germany: A Culture Guide

Eran Fulson

By: Eran Fulson / Writer, Adventurer, New Dad, Wood & Metal Designer

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Valentine’s Day in Germany is a delightful mix of romance, tradition, and practicality. While the United States is busy clearing out supermarket shelves of heart-shaped balloons, Germany has carved out its own way of celebrating the Day of Love. Subtle, charming, and occasionally quirky (featuring lucky pigs).

Valentine's Day text bordered by German flags

Valentine's Day - A Historical Love Affair

Before we get into chocolates and rote Rosen, let’s travel back—way back—to Ancient Rome, where Valentine’s Day got its start. The day is named after St. Valentine, a Christian martyr and the unofficial Patron Saint of Lovers. Despite being executed for performing illegal marriages (a bold move, Valentine), his Feast Day—February 14th—became a celebration of love.

By the Middle Ages, St. Valentine’s story had spread across Europe, with Germany lightly embracing the romantic ideals of courtly love. Picture knights writing love letters to fair maidens—because Tinder didn’t exist, and swiping right on a parchment scroll wasn’t a thing.

Fast forward to the Second World War, when American soldiers stationed in West Germany brought with them Valentine’s Day traditions from the United States. Greeting cards, chocolates, and red hearts suddenly became known as a thing, and the Germans—practical as always—adapted the holiday to suit their own style.

Even Rio Reiser couldn't resist getting in on bringing a bit of love in 1986 with "Für Immer und Dich" (Always for You).

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German Culture Meets Valentine’s Day

A pink ceramic pig figurine holding a green four-leaf clover.

Valentine’s Day in Germany is a quiet affair. While it’s a popular tradition in countries like the United States and Great Britain, Germans tend to approach the Celebration of Love with understated charm.

  • Small Gifts Over Grand Gestures: Forget massive teddy bears and glitter-infused Valentine’s cards. Germans prefer thoughtful, small gifts like chocolate hearts, a handwritten note, or a beautiful bouquet of flowers (rote Rosen, if you’re really in the mood).
  • Symbols of Love: While red roses are classic, Germans also sprinkle in quirky symbols like little pigs (Glücksschwein, meaning “lucky pig”). Why pigs? Because they’re a symbol of luck and surprise—romance. A ceramic pig holding a heart might just win your true love’s affection.

And while Germans might not shout their love from the rooftops, a heartfelt “Ich liebe dich” (I love you) can carry more weight than a thousand Hallmark cards.

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Symbols and Gifts of Love—The German Way

Heart-shaped gingerbread cookies with pink icing borders hang on display. One cookie features German text "Ich liebe Dich" and a red rose decoration.

If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day in Germany, expect a mix of traditional gifts, modern twists, and uniquely German symbols.

Flowers and Red Hearts: Red roses (rote Rosen) remain the ultimate symbol of love in Germany for the romantically inclined. A bouquet of flowers is both timeless and appreciated, though Germans often lean towards elegant simplicity. Add in a Valentine’s card with carefully chosen words, and you’re golden.

Chocolate Hearts and Sweet Treats: Germany, being home to some of the world’s best chocolate (looking at you, Ritter Sport), takes chocolate hearts very seriously. Whether it’s a box of pralines or a single heart-shaped truffle, chocolate is a go-to Valentine’s Day gift.

Quirky Tokens: Here’s where Germany adds its own flair.

  • Lucky Pigs: Whether made of marzipan or ceramic, these little piggies symbolize luck and affection.
  • Four-Leaf Clovers: Staying with feeling lucky, four-leaf clovers represent good fortune in love. At least St. Patrick's Day is only a few weeks away so you can get twice the mileage from one—if you're lucky.
  • Gingerbread Hearts: A carry-over from Christmas markets, gingerbread heart cookies with lovey-dovey quotes on them are becoming more popular for Valentine's Day.

Love Locks: If you’re in a German city center like Cologne or Heidelberg, don’t miss the Love Locks tradition. Couples write their names on a padlock, attach it to a bridge, and toss the key into the river below—symbolizing eternal love. Practical? No. Romantic? Maybe, but I just can't get past the impracticality of losing a good lock.

A railing covered with numerous colorful padlocks, with several people standing nearby on a sunny day.

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Romantic Themes—For Lovers, Singles, and Cynics

Person in light pants and slippers sits on a couch with a bowl of popcorn and a remote control on the side.

While Valentine’s Day is all about romantic love, Germany has room for everyone on February 14th.

  • For Romantic Partners: Whether it’s a romantic walk along the Rhine or a candlelit dinner in Bavaria, Germans embrace the Celebration of Love in their own understated way. Forget extravagant getaways—sometimes a cozy evening with chocolate and wine says more than a flashy gesture.
  • For Single People: Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Young people and singletons often use the day as an excuse to spend time with friends or indulge in a treat-yourself moment. “Why wait for someone else to buy you chocolates when you’re perfectly capable of doing it yourself?”

And let’s not forget: not celebrating Valentine’s Day is also an option. Germans are known for their pragmatic side, and if you’d rather binge-watch Netflix than declare undying love, you’re in good company.

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Modern Celebrations and Unique Events

In recent years, Valentine’s Day has grown in popularity in Germany, thanks in part to global influence and the rise of social media. That said, it's estimated that only around 20% of Germans will go out of their way to grandly profess their love for one day out of the year. While it’s still not as commercialized as in western countries like the United States, Germans have started adding their own modern twists:

  • Markets: Unlike Christmas markets, street markets (like the Munich Viktualienmarkt) are generally purveyors of quality food and drink. You may find a little heartfelt token, but rarely anything over-the-top or garishly pink. More practically, you'll find flowers and the perfect ingredients for making a romantic meal at home.
  • Romantic Getaways: Beautiful spots like Heidelberg and the Bavarian Alps make for the perfect romantic escape. Want to stroll cobblestone streets hand-in-hand? Germany’s got you covered.
  • Global Influence: Germany has also taken cues from other traditions—like White Day in South Korea or Dia Dos Namorados in Brazil—while maintaining its own charm.

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Where to Spend Valentine’s Day in Germany

If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Germany has no shortage of romantic spots:

A lit-up Heidelberg Castle on a hill with a stone bridge reflecting in the river below, set against a backdrop of trees and a cloudy evening sky.
  • Heidelberg: This picturesque city is straight out of a fairy tale, with its stunning castle views and charming old town. It’s a special place for romantic walks and cozy dinners.
A historic church tower with rounded spires stands behind colorful, gabled buildings in a tree-lined square with outdoor seating and parked bicycles under a cloudy blue sky.
  • Cologne: The Hohenzollern Bridge, covered in love locks, is an iconic stop for couples. Plus, Cologne’s vibrant city center offers plenty of places to celebrate.
A paved path leads to a stone tower with a red roof in Rothenburg, surrounded by lush green trees under a blue sky.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Cobblestone streets, medieval charm, and half-timbered houses—this town is perfect for a quiet, romantic getaway.

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Cooking up Something Special

There are few better ways to declare your undying love, or lay out your romantic intentions, than cooking. While I'm generally not one for laying on the cheesy emotions, this is one scenario where more cheese is simply better.

But what to cook for that special German in your life? I have a helpful roundup of recipes that are sure to warm the heart. Check out my roundup of 14 Valentine's Day Recipes to Impress.

Collage of images showing German recipes for Valentine's dinner ideas

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The German Way of Love—Thoughtful, Practical, and Occasionally Quirky

Valentine’s Day in Germany may not come with fireworks and giant teddy bears, but that’s part of its charm. Germans celebrate love with thoughtful gifts, subtle gestures, and just a touch of sense of humor (looking at you, lucky pigs).

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a night in with chocolate and wine, or simply buying yourself some flowers, Germany’s take on Valentine’s Day has something for everyone.

So, Happy Valentine’s Day—or as the Germans say, “Frohen Valentinstag!” Who knows? Maybe this year, you’ll find love—and a lucky pig to go with it.

Final Thought: If you’re in Germany on February 14th, embrace the local traditions. It's also probably best to test the waters with your significant other before going all-in with a dozen red roses, string quartet, and a marzipan pig. Sometimes, a handshake and an approving nod are all one needs.

Close-up of various padlocks attached together, with one prominent pink lock featuring a heart design.

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Valentine's Day in Germany FAQ

What do Germans say on Valentine's Day?

In Germany, you’ll often hear “Alles Liebe zum Valentinstag”, which translates to “all the love for Valentine’s Day.” It’s a heartfelt and classic way to wish someone a happy day of love. Alternatively, you might hear “Alles Gute zum Valentinstag”—a broader greeting meaning “all the best for Valentine’s Day.” Whether you're addressing a partner, a friend, or a loved one, these phrases are a perfect way to share warm wishes on February 14th.

Why do Germans give pigs as gifts on Valentine's Day?

The tradition of gifting pigs on Valentine’s Day may seem unusual, but in Germany, pigs are considered a symbol of luck and prosperity. Known as “Glücksschwein” (lucky pig), they are often included in Valentine’s gifts as charming figurines made from ceramic, chocolate, or marzipan. The pig, a quirky yet meaningful token, symbolizes good fortune and affection—a sweet way to blend romance with a bit of playful humor. Germans also pair this tradition with heart-shaped gingerbread cookies, known as lebkuchen, for a truly unique Valentine's Day gift.

Is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Germany?

Yes, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Germany today, although it wasn’t always part of German tradition. The holiday became popular after World War II when American soldiers introduced the custom to West Germany. Over the decades, Valentine's Day has grown in popularity, and it is now common for couples to exchange gifts like roses, chocolates, and cards while celebrating with romantic dinners or small, thoughtful gestures. While it remains a quieter affair compared to the United States, Germans have made Valentine’s Day their own—adding local touches and traditions along the way.

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