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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?

13.06.2025 14:55

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

Example:

My dog is 2 weeks old. He's not eating, moving and always sleeping and I can't take him to a vet. What should I do?

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.

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)

How does a man look at you when he is in love?