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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: 19.06.2025 17:31

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

Example:

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 seemingly minor decision or moment in your past ended up having a massive impact on your entire life trajectory?

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.

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.

I told my 13-year-old daughter that she should never start a fight, but has my permission to end it. She got suspended for ending a fight that some other girl picked with her by hitting her then retreating. How do I handle the school’s response?