Beyonce thanked Jay-Z for “putting a ring on it” as she collected three awards at the MTV Video Music Awards in Berlin on Thursday.

The singer made reference to her husband after her single, Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), was named Best Video.

"There's only one person I want to thank and that is Jay for putting a ring on it,” she said.

The tribute marked one of the first times Beyonce had acknowledged her marriage to the rapper in public.

Beyonce and Jay-Z celebrate MTV EMAs success backstage.

The normally publicity shy couple were later spotted enjoying some intimate moments backstage at the event.

Jay-Z, who also won the award for Best Urban Act, was spotted embracing his wife as they celebrated their individual triumphs together.

They later continued their celebrations at the nearby Felix nightclub, where Jay-Z emerged in the early hours with his wife's red lipstick kisses on his neck.

Jay-Z and Beyonce celebrate EMA success