Logo

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: 19.06.2025 00:44

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

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)

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.

Justin Bieber talks 'anger issues,' says he's 'broken' in emotional Instagram post - ABC News

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

Example:

Why aren't U.S. prisons more like Marine Corps boot camp, were every second of the day there are mandatory activities so that at night everyone is so tired they go to sleep until wakeup at 5:30 am? Would this make prisons safer for all?