zweierlei
two kinds
Being of two different kinds or types. This word is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Zum Nachtisch gibt es zweierlei Eis: Schokolade und Vanille.
For dessert, there are two kinds of ice cream: chocolate and vanilla.
zweierlei
two kinds
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Meanings
zweierlei Paar Schuhe sein
to be two different things
A fixed expression meaning that two things are completely different and should not be compared with each other.
EXAMPLE
Theorie und Praxis sind oft zweierlei Paar Schuhe.
Theory and practice are often two very different things.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the number 'zwei' (two) and the ending '-erlei'. This ending means 'of ... kinds' or '-fold' and can also be combined with other numbers, for example 'dreierlei' (three kinds) or 'vielerlei' (many kinds).
EXAMPLE
Er hat allerlei Gründe für seine Verspätung genannt.
He gave all kinds of reasons for his lateness.
Not declinable
'zweierlei' (two kinds) is a special numeral that is used like an adjective but is never declined. It always keeps the same form, no matter what gender or case the noun has.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben zweierlei Meinungen zu diesem Thema gehört.
We heard two kinds of opinions on this topic.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'zweierlei Paar Schuhe sein' (to be two different things) is used to clearly separate two things from each other. The structure is always: [thing A] and [thing B] sind zweierlei Paar Schuhe.
EXAMPLE
Etwas zu planen und es dann auch umzusetzen, sind zweierlei Paar Schuhe.
Planning something and then actually putting it into practice are two very different things.
Compare with
zweierlei vs zweifach
twofold / double
Both words can express that something is associated with two forms or effects. „Zweierlei“ emphasizes two different kinds, while „zweifach“ emphasizes two parts or a doubled form. So ask yourself whether the focus is on the differences or on the number or duplication.
zweierlei
Das neue Schloss bietet zweierlei Schutz: Es hält Einbrecher fern und schützt vor Feuer.
The new lock offers two kinds of protection: it keeps burglars out and protects against fire.
zweifach
Das neue Schloss bietet zweifachen Schutz durch zwei getrennte Sicherungen.
The new lock offers double protection through two separate security systems.
In real life
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