How to Say "Anyways" in German

wie dem auch sei

The English phrase 'anyways' is expressed in German as wie dem auch sei.

This phrase is used to return to a main topic or to change the subject after a digression.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase wie dem auch sei literally translates to 'how that also be' or 'however that may be'.

While jedenfalls can also be used, wie dem auch sei is more formal and carries a slightly more philosophical or resigned tone.

The word wie in this phrase shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'why'.
While wie dem auch sei is formal, speakers often use the shorter egal to express the same feeling of indifference or dismissal in casual speech.
Using wie dem auch sei in a very casual setting can make the speaker sound intentionally dramatic or like a character in a play.

Ich habe viel zu tun, dennoch werde ich pünktlich zum Meeting kommen.
I have a lot to do, but I will still come to the meeting on time.
Der Flug war verspätet, aber ich habe trotzdem meinen Anschlussflug erreicht.
The flight was delayed, but I still made my connecting flight anyway.
Egal, ich fahre trotzdem in den Urlaub.
Anyway, I'm still going on vacation.
Ich habe das Buch schon gelesen, aber auf jeden Fall möchte ich es nochmal lesen.
I've already read the book, but anyway, I want to read it again.
Wie dem auch sei, wir müssen jetzt gehen.
Anyways, we have to go now.
Das ist ein langes Thema, aber wie dem auch sei.
That is a long topic, but anyways.
Wie dem auch sei, lass uns zum Thema kommen.
Anyways, let's get back to the subject.

Two friends are talking in a park after a long detour about a movie.

Julia

Der Film war echt langweilig, oder?
The movie was really boring, right?
Julian

Ja, aber wie dem auch sei, hast du Hunger?
Yes, but anyways, are you hungry?
Julia

Ja, Julian, ich möchte etwas essen.
Yes, Julian, I want to eat something.
Julian

Gut, dann gehen wir jetzt zum Restaurant.
Good, then let's go to the restaurant now.

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