Gern, lieber, am liebsten
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
Express preference with gern / lieber / am liebsten.
How it works
Gern (gladly), lieber (rather) and am liebsten (most of all) express preference. Gern is placed after the verb: Ich lese gern. Lieber compares two options, and am liebsten is used for the favourite. The construction is used with verbs and with nouns, such as Ich trinke lieber Tee als Kaffee.
When to use it
Express what you like best with gern, lieber and am liebsten, placed after the verb.
Use cases
- Saying what you like to do: Ich schwimme gern
- Comparing two options: Ich fahre lieber mit dem Zug
- Naming a favourite: Am liebsten esse ich Pizza
Examples
- Ich trinke gern Tee – I like drinking tea
- Sie spielt gern Klavier. – She likes playing the piano.
- Wir gehen lieber ins Kino. – We would rather go to the cinema.
- Was trinkst du am liebsten? – What do you drink most of all?
Common mistake
Using very instead of gern, so "Ich esse sehr gern Pizza" is the natural form.
Memory tip
Gern → lieber → am liebsten: like it, like it more, like it most.