lieber
rather
Expresses that someone prefers something or chooses one option over another.
EXAMPLE
Ich bleibe heute lieber zu Hause.
I would rather stay at home today.
lieber
rather / preferably
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Meanings
lieber
rather
As a recommendation or request, expresses that something would be better to do.
EXAMPLE
Du gehst lieber sofort zum Arzt.
You'd better go to the doctor right away.
lieber ... als
rather ... than
Expresses a clear preference for the first option over the second.
EXAMPLE
Sie fährt lieber mit dem Zug als mit dem Flugzeug.
She would rather travel by train than by plane.
Usage tips
Expressing wishes
You can use „würde lieber + Infinitiv“ (would rather + infinitive) to express a wish or personal preference. The infinitive comes at the end of the sentence; the other option does not have to be stated explicitly.
EXAMPLE
Ich würde lieber am Fenster sitzen.
I would rather sit by the window.
Advice and warnings
When giving advice, „lieber“ often appears in a request or command using the imperative. With „lieber nicht“ (rather not), you can advise someone against doing something.
EXAMPLE
Nimm lieber eine Jacke mit!
You'd better bring a jacket!
Fass den heißen Topf lieber nicht an!
You'd better not touch the hot pot!
Comparison with als
In „lieber … als …“ (rather ... than ...), the two options should match grammatically: for example, you can compare two phrases with prepositions or two activities. You do not have to repeat shared parts of the sentence after „als“.
EXAMPLE
Wir übernachten lieber in einer Ferienwohnung als in einem Hotel.
We would rather stay in a holiday apartment than in a hotel.
Am Wochenende möchte ich lieber wandern als einkaufen.
At the weekend, I would rather go hiking than go shopping.
In real life
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