01
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
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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 verschieden
different / various
'verschieden' and 'zweierlei' both describe that things are not the same. 'verschieden' is general and can refer to two or many differences. It can also mean that there are several different things. 'zweierlei' is more specific: it is always about exactly two kinds or types. In everyday life, 'verschieden' is much more common and flexible. 'zweierlei' fits well when you want to clearly say: there are two possibilities or two types.
zweierlei
Am Montag testet Herr Schneider zweierlei Software für das Büro.
On Monday, Mr. Schneider is testing two kinds of software for the office.
verschieden
Die Mitarbeiterinnen haben verschiedene Ideen für die neue Wohnung.
The employees have different ideas for the new apartment.
In real life
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