What is the difference between "eher" and " lieber" in German? Are the two synonyms? If yes, then which one is the most used?

Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:00

What is the difference between "eher" and " lieber" in German? Are the two synonyms? If yes, then which one is the most used?

You cannot really say what is used more. As in other languages the “love” word is used a lot and also all derived words. But fillwords are also used a lot.

eher is a fillword .. used in many situations. Originally it means: in an earlier time, before doing the thing you proposed — I do another (stupid) thing

Ich würde lieber mit Toni ausgehen als mit dir Shopping. (you would not say: Ich würde lieber nackt die Straße runter laufen … because you not plan it to do at all — not even on a later time)

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Example:

Da würde ich ja eher nackt die Straße runter laufen als mit dir zu schlafen.

lieber is more specific: I love it more .. I want it better

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