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 03:48

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

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

The Tastiest Side Dish At Panda Express Is Actually One Of The Healthiest Things On The Menu - Tasting Table

Example:

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

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)

When I buy a house, do I automatically own all items the previous owner failed to remove from the property?