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: 30.06.2025 09:10

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

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)

Why are people saying that Taylor Swift is the smartest person on Earth?

Example:

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

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

If my heart stopped beating, would I have enough energy to walk out into the other room 20 ft away before I passed out and died?