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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: 26.06.2025 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?

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)

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

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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.

Example:

I've had tinnitus in my right ear for 2 years. I sleep with one earbuds in my left ear, but at the lowest possible sound volume, white noise. Is it considered safe to do so?