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: 17.06.2025 00:31

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

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

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)

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

Has anyone ever worn leather pants? Are they comfortable?

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

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.

Example:

How do I stop having work crushes because I only keep getting disappointed almost every day as I keep seeing they don’t like me back and won’t ever ask me out?