eher

Eher is a German adverb used to express preference, likelihood, or a tempered conclusion. It commonly translates to “rather,” “sooner,” or “more likely” in English. The word is versatile and appears in comparisons, hedging statements, and general discourse.

In comparative use, eHer signals that one option is preferred over another. For example, Ich würde eher bleiben als gehen means I would rather stay than leave. It can also modify adjectives or other modifiers to convey a softer or more qualified sense, as in Das ist eher teuer (That is rather expensive).

Eher also functions to indicate probability without making a definite claim. Phrases like Es ist eher unwahrscheinlich mean it is rather unlikely, and Es könnte eher passieren suggests it could happen more than not. As a sentence adverb, it can stand alone to express a leaning, as in Eher ja als nein (More yes than no).

Nuance and usage resemble hedging in English. Eher tends to soften statements and avoid absolute certainty, making it useful in both spoken and written German. It can be contrasted with terms that express stronger probability or commitment, such as wahrscheinlich (likely) or sicher (certain), or with lieber to express a stronger personal preference without implying probability.

Common collocations include eher + adjectives (eher klein, eher teuer) and eher + negation (eher nicht). Eher is generally appropriate in informal and semi-formal contexts, and it contributes to a measured, cautious tone in argumentation or narrative.