Usage of "zwar"?

Question

Can anyone explain how the word *zwar* is generally used? I see it a lot and it doesn't seem like it usually translates very well into English, if at all. Here's an example sentence:>Frage: Hat man heute Geburtstag?>Antwort: Ja **und zwar** mein BruderDoes it mean something like "namely" in English? It would sound strange and very formal to say "Yes, namely my brother."Does *zwar* have any other important usages?

Answer 1

Thanks for asking this question which shows you are very perceptive and sensitive to the German language. As it is always with different languages, there are always words and phrases, which are un-translatable (unuebersetzbar) , one can only give examples or describe the meaning as closely as possible. So concerning the question about the meaning and use of ""zwar", here are some points which I hope will be helpful to you:

1. Usage of „und zwar“

This is used when you give more detail or specify something.

1. German: Ich habe heute einen Termin, und zwar beim Zahnarzt.
2. Meaning: I have an appointment today — at the dentist, actually.
3. German: Sie hat gewonnen, und zwar mit großem Abstand.
4. Meaning: She won — by a large margin, in fact.

2. Contrasting with „zwar … aber …“

This is about saying yes, but... — acknowledging something before shifting perspective.

1. German: Der Film war zwar lang, aber sehr spannend.
2. Meaning: The movie was long, but very exciting.
3. German: Ich kann zwar nicht kommen, aber ich wünsche euch viel Spaß.
4. Meaning: I can’t come, but I hope you have a great time.
5. German: Das ist zwar teuer, aber die Qualität ist super.
6. Meaning: It’s expensive, but the quality is great.

3. Less common, but poetic or formal

Sometimes zwar can also appear without aber, mostly in written or formal German. For example:

1. German: Wir haben zwar kein Geld, wir sind aber glücklich.
2. Meaning: We may not have money, but we’re happy.
3. (Same idea, just a different word order.)

Hope this helps?! Please, feel free to ask any further questions!

Alles Gute!

Angelika

Answer 2

Your example and explanation is very accurate, this is how "zwar" is often used and I would also translate it the way you did. Having said that, different languages just say things in different ways, what sounds very formal or even strange in one language is quite common and almost informal in another. Another use for "zwar" would be "Ich habe zwar keine Zeit, ich helfe dir aber trotzdem" - here "zwar" functions like "although" - roughly translated: "Although I do not have time, I help you anyway". Does this help?