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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?

14.06.2025 10:28

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

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

Example:

What is your opinion on the band Nickelback? Why do they receive criticism from some people?

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.

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 would happen if the Soviet Union had simply annexed Manchuria after World War 2 or kept it independent as a puppet state allied them and separate from China as China was too weak too oppose it anyway?