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: 24.06.2025 00:02

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.

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

Example:

I haven’t eaten junk food for weeks, I ate dirty all-day yesterday, but I can’t even workout, why am I so tired?

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

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

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)

What should I be looking for when trying out running shoes? Local store lets me try the shoe and jog up and down the block, but they mostly feel the same to me. Is there some feeling or anything else specific I should be looking for?