Signification
Stating a preference.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch 'Poldermodel' relies on everyone stating their preference clearly so a compromise can be found. 'Ik heb liever' is the linguistic oil in this machine. In Flanders, 'ik heb liever' is also common, but you might hear 'ik verkies' slightly more often in formal settings compared to the Netherlands. When splitting a bill or choosing a shared snack (like bitterballen), using 'ik heb liever' is a polite way to steer the group choice without being a 'dictator'. Dutch workplaces are flat. Even a junior can say 'Ik heb liever...' to a boss, provided it's backed by a reason. It's seen as being proactive.
Use 'eigenlijk'
Adding 'eigenlijk' (actually) before 'heb ik liever' makes you sound very native when changing your mind.
The 'dan' rule
Never use 'als' for comparisons with 'liever'. It's the most common mistake for English and German speakers.
Signification
Stating a preference.
Use 'eigenlijk'
Adding 'eigenlijk' (actually) before 'heb ik liever' makes you sound very native when changing your mind.
The 'dan' rule
Never use 'als' for comparisons with 'liever'. It's the most common mistake for English and German speakers.
Don't be shy
In the Netherlands, not stating a preference is often more rude than stating one. Use this phrase freely!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct comparative word for preference.
Ik heb ___ thee dan koffie.
'Liever' is the comparative form used for preferences.
Which sentence has the correct word order?
Choose the correct 'dat' clause:
In a sub-clause starting with 'dat', the verb 'komt' must go to the end.
Match the Dutch preference to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These show the difference between present, past, and superlative preference.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Wil je de rode of de groene? B: Ik heb ___ de groene.
'Ik heb liever' is the standard way to complete this sentence.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Liever vs. Liefst
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk heb ___ thee dan koffie.
'Liever' is the comparative form used for preferences.
Choose the correct 'dat' clause:
In a sub-clause starting with 'dat', the verb 'komt' must go to the end.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These show the difference between present, past, and superlative preference.
A: Wil je de rode of de groene? B: Ik heb ___ de groene.
'Ik heb liever' is the standard way to complete this sentence.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, the verb 'hebben' must come second. Say 'Ik heb liever'.
Yes, it is very polite and standard for all social situations.
'Liever' is 'prefer' (between two), 'liefst' is 'prefer most' (out of many).
Yes, but usually you use 'liever' alone with the verb: 'Ik zwem liever'. If you use 'hebben', you need a 'dat' clause.
Yes, it is perfectly standard in Flemish Dutch as well.
Use the past tense: 'Ik had liever...'.
Yes: 'Liever heb ik dat je nu gaat', but it sounds very emphatic.
In this construction, yes. On its own, it can also mean 'sweeter' (comparative of lief).
Only in very formal writing. In meetings, 'ik heb liever' is better.
Using 'als' instead of 'dan' for comparisons.
Expressions liées
de voorkeur geven aan
synonymTo give preference to
verkiezen
synonymTo elect or prefer
liever... dan...
builds onRather... than...
het liefst
specialized formPrefer most of all
