zwar

zwar

German

Etymology

From Middle High German zewāre (“in truth, indeed”), from ze (“in, to”) (a variant of zuo) + wāre (“true”), from Old High German [Term?].

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /t͡svaːɐ̯/

• Audio

  (file)

Adverb

zwar

1. namely; only when used in und zwar

   Aber dann habe ich mir doch eines gekauft. Und zwar das blaue.

   But then I bought one anyway. Namely the blue one.

   Ich hab’ was tolles gemacht! Und zwar habe ich geschmacksfreies Eis erfunden.

   I did something great! Namely I invented taste-free ice cream.

2. Signals a following contrary clause, which is usually introduced with aber (“but”). Functions like einerseits (“on the one hand”) but does not require an andererseits (“on the other hand”). Approximately although; even though; now ..., but; indeed..., but, admittedly. Often rendered in English merely with tone of voice. Equivalent to Danish ganske vist, godt nok or Ancient Greek μέν (mén).
   • Franz Kafka, Amerika:

     Sie bewunderten zwar das Schauspiel, aber man erkannte doch, daß sie enttäuscht waren.

     They were admiring the play, but you could see they were disappointed.

Synonyms

• (zwar ... aber): allerdings, freilich, zugegebenermaßen

Derived terms

• und zwar

Further reading

• zwar in Duden online