adjective
rather, preferably
A1
Means 'rather' or 'preferably', often expressing preference ('I would rather...'). It's the comparative form of gern (superlative: am liebsten). Used adverbially and in choices (Ich trinke lieber Tee). Not a reflexive or prepositional word; no irregular forms besides fixed comparative/superlative.
Examples
Die Kundin nahm lieber schwarzen Tee, weil sie empfindlich auf Koffein reagierte.
The customer preferred black tea because she was sensitive to caffeine.
Er kommt lieber später.
He would rather come later.
Ich trinke lieber Tee als Kaffee.
I prefer to drink tea rather than coffee.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture choosing the 'liber' (Latin for book) you prefer most
sounds like 'lie' + 'ber' — prefer to 'lie' in a better place
Notes
Comparative form of 'lieb'. Often used in fixed expressions (ich nehme lieber ... = I'd rather take ...).