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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: 22.06.2025 07:34

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)

Example:

Do you think Christine Lagarde will be headed and will be heading for success in the next French presidential elections starting as soon as 2027?

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.

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

I’m worried I have a bat bite on my hand, I have two small marks about 1 cm apart. I haven’t been in contact with a bat but I’m worried about at night. My fingers have a slight tingling sensation and my arm feels cold but isn’t. Am I ok?