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: 18.06.2025 08:34
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
lieber is more specific: I love it more .. I want it better
Example:
Da würde ich ja eher nackt die Straße runter laufen als mit dir zu schlafen.
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.
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)