German

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. Often rendered in English merely with tone of voice.
   • 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