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: 03.07.2025 01:55

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

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 are your political and economic beliefs? How did you form them, especially in comparison to those who hold opposing views?

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

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.

What exactly is the boundary men should follow while looking at girls so they don't call them perverts?