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German frequency list

No. 540 in German

zwar

"Zwar" means "indeed" or "admittedly," often used to introduce clarification or contrast.

In a sentence

  • Ich möchte das Buch lesen, es ist zwar schwer.

    I want to read the book, although it is difficult.

    The word 'zwar' introduces a contrastive clause, indicating that while the book is difficult, the speaker still wants to read it.

  • Er hat zwar viel gelernt, aber die Prüfung war schwierig.

    He did study a lot, but the exam was difficult.

    Here, 'zwar' is used with 'aber' to acknowledge the effort made before introducing a subsequent contrasting fact.

  • Sie ist zwar nett, aber manchmal unzuverlässig.

    She is nice, but sometimes unreliable.

    'Zwar' is once again paired with 'aber' to provide a nuanced, contrasting observation about her personality.

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