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zärtlich

tenderly, affectionately

adverb TSERT-likh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Manner

Also means

gently, lovingly

Usage Note

Zärtlich describes affectionate, gentle, tender actions — physical or verbal. Zärtlich streicheln — to caress tenderly. It is used in descriptions of loving interaction between people (or with animals). More physically intimate in connotation than liebevoll or herzlich.

Examples

"Sie legte zärtlich die Hand auf seine Schulter."

Natural Translation

She tenderly laid her hand on his shoulder.

Literal Translation

She laid tenderly the hand on his shoulder.

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