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How to Say ‘Rather, after all’ in German

Doch lieber

doch LEE-ber

[doch LEE-ber]

💬 Usage Tip: lieber means "preferably", and doch adds "after all", signalling you've changed your mind. Together they soften a switch of plans.

Phrase Breakdown

Doch

[doch]

after all

Used to imply that something is expected or should not be surprising.

Example

Das ist doch klar.

That is clear after all.

lieber

[LEE-ber]

preferably

Shows preference between options.

Example

In Möchten Sie lieber drinnen sitzen? fragt lieber nach Ihrer Vorliebe.

In Would you prefer to sit inside?, preferably asks about your preference.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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