lieber

Based on: lieb
Goethe A1 Adverb
  1. nicer, more lovely
  2. more „gern“ , rather
1.

nicer, more lovely

(Only for people or pets. NOT for a cafe being nicer than another one.)
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Examples
  • Maria ist gestern viel lieber gewesen als sonst.
  • Maria was much nicer than usual yesterday.
2.

more „gern“ , rather

Opposite: lieber nicht
(The more-form of „gern“)
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Examples
  • Ich trinke lieber Tee als Kaffee.
  • I prefer to drink tea rather than coffee.

Word Family

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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

How to say “to prefer” in German

The main translation of "to prefer" in German is "bevorzugen". But it's neither the only nor the most common choice. Today, we'll learn what Germans prefer.

Vocab: vorziehen, bevorzugen, lieber

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Advent Calendar 4 – Preferential Practice

“Preferential Practice” *** 0 0 votes Article Rating <a href="https://yourdailygerman.com/meaning/lieber/">Dive in <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>

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Using “lieber sein” – The Exercise

"etwas ist mir lieber" means "I prefer something" and it's really useful in daily life. Today, we'll practice how to use this phrasing by speaking.

Vocab: lieber sein

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Questions and Comments

Do you have questions about the usage or meaning of “lieber”? Just ask here and I’ll try to clear it up.

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2 Comments
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Ahmed Yasser
Ahmed Yasser

Hi Emanuel,
I’m wondering about the difference between “lieber” and “eher”. Could you explain when to use each word?
Thanks!

Reply
Emanuel
Author
Emanuel
Reply to  Ahmed Yasser

“lieber” is more about personal preference, “eher” is more about likelihood or probability. There is an overlap of course.
Does that help?

Reply

How many meanings does the German word 'lieber' have?

lieber has 2 distinct meanings: 1. nicer, more lovely, 2. more „gern“ , rather.

What is 'lieber' related to?

The word 'lieber' is related to lieb.

Where can I learn more about 'lieber'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'lieber':

How to say “to prefer” in German
The main translation of "to prefer" in German is "bevorzugen". But it's neither the only nor the most common choice. Today, we'll learn what Germans prefer.
Vocab: vorziehen, bevorzugen, lieber
Read article

Advent Calendar 4 – Preferential Practice
Read article

Using “lieber sein” – The Exercise
"etwas ist mir lieber" means "I prefer something" and it's really useful in daily life. Today, we'll practice how to use this phrasing by speaking.
Vocab: lieber sein
Read article