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: 21.06.2025 01:40

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)
lieber is more specific: I love it more .. I want it better
At least 45 Palestinians killed while waiting for aid trucks in Gaza, health officials say - AP News
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: