To concede a point before making a contrasting statement, use the two-part conjunction zwar ... aber (admittedly ... but).
Weighing the pros and cons
When discussing the trade-offs of something like public transport, place zwar in the first clause to acknowledge a fact, followed by aber to introduce the catch.
A comma always separates the two parts of the contrast. Notice how zwar typically sits right after the verb.
| The public transport is admittedly cheap, but often slow. | Der Nahverkehr ist zwar günstig, aber oft langsam. |
| The public transport is admittedly environmentally friendly, but uncomfortable. | Der Nahverkehr ist zwar umweltfreundlich, aber unbequem. |
Contrasting full clauses
The word aber can simply introduce a contrasting adjective, or it can start an entirely new clause.
Remember that aber is a coordinating conjunction. This means it occupies "position 0" in the sentence and does not change the standard word order of the clause that follows it.
| The timetable is admittedly good, but we have a delay. | Der Fahrplan ist zwar gut, aber wir haben Verspätung. |
| I admittedly had a seat, but I missed the connection. | Ich hatte zwar einen Sitzplatz, aber ich habe den Anschluss verpasst. |
The daily commute
You can use this same structure to talk about the daily realities for a commuter (der Pendler) dealing with rush hour (die Stoßzeit).
| During the rush hour, the trains are admittedly overcrowded, but punctual. | Während der Stoßzeit sind die Züge zwar überfüllt, aber pünktlich. |
| The bus was admittedly overcrowded, but she had a seat. | Der Bus war zwar überfüllt, aber sie hatte einen Sitzplatz. |
