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/
  • (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

Derived terms

Further reading

  • zwar in Duden online
This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.