wie dem auch sei
viː deːm aʊ̯x zaɪ̯
Wie dem auch sei is a concessive set phrase that acknowledges a point or situation before pivoting to what really matters. English offers several equivalents that differ noticeably in register and tone.
1. be that as it may
The closest English equivalent: concedes the preceding point while signaling that the main conclusion stands regardless.
Die Verhandlungen waren zäh. Wie dem auch sei, am Ende einigten sich beide Seiten.
Negotiations were tough. Be that as it may, both sides eventually reached an agreement.
Er bestreitet, es gewusst zu haben, wie dem auch sei, die Verantwortung liegt bei ihm.
He denies having known about it, be that as it may, the responsibility lies with him.
Die Umstände waren alles andere als ideal; wie dem auch sei, wir mussten eine Entscheidung treffen.
Circumstances were far from ideal; be that as it may, a decision had to be made.
2. that said
A more natural, less stiff alternative in contemporary English, especially common in speech and informal writing.
Die Kritik an dem Plan war berechtigt. Wie dem auch sei, wir haben ihn umgesetzt.
The criticism of the plan was valid. That said, we went ahead and implemented it.
Wie dem auch sei, ich bin froh, dass wir es überhaupt versucht haben.
That said, I'm glad we gave it a try at all.
3. at any rate
[informal]
More colloquial; emphasizes brushing past the previous point and getting to what matters practically.
Ich weiß nicht, wie es dazu kam, wie dem auch sei, jetzt müssen wir eine Lösung finden.
I don't know how it came to this, at any rate, we need to find a solution now.
Das mag stimmen oder nicht. Wie dem auch sei, unser Plan ändert sich nicht.
That may or may not be true. At any rate, our plan doesn't change.
Notes
The phrase sits at a slightly more formal register than the everyday German wie auch immer. Its closest English counterpart, be that as it may, can sound similarly stiff in casual speech; that said or anyway often fit more naturally. Rendering it as a bare however loses the concessive nuance and produces a plain contrast instead.