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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: 20.06.2025 09:09

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

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.

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

Musk's DOGE workers are now investigating Medicare and Medicaid. They want to eliminate fraud, but can they also be hurting poor Americans and senior citizens' benefits?

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

Example:

What is the best case of “You just picked a fight with the wrong person” that you've witnessed?