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: 02.07.2025 23:59

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

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:

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

Opal Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand crowned Miss World 2025 - CNN

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)

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.

Harvey Weinstein Says He Has ‘Regrets’ and ‘Acted Immorally’ Ahead of New York Retrial Verdict: ‘But Never Illegal, Never Criminal’ - Variety