Linking and viewpointGermanB1

Obwohl and trotzdem

Use obwohl to introduce a concessive subordinate clause and trotzdem to signal “despite that” in a main clause.

Examples

GermanTranslation
Obwohl er wenig Zeit hatte, las er den ganzen Artikel.

Although he had little time, he read the whole article.

Es regnet; trotzdem gehen wir spazieren.

It is raining; nevertheless we are going for a walk.

Obwohl die Aufgabe schwer war, blieb sie ruhig.

Although the task was difficult, she stayed calm.

Pattern

obwohl + verb-final clause / ... trotzdem ...

How it works

Use obwohl to introduce a concessive subordinate clause and trotzdem to signal “despite that” in a main clause. This pattern typically appears as obwohl + verb-final clause / ... trotzdem ... and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.

What to notice

  • Obwohl creates a subordinate clause with the verb at the end.
  • Trotzdem stands inside a main clause and keeps verb-second order.

Why it matters

Connect clauses with clearer contrast and cause.

Use in context

This pair helps German writing sound more balanced and argumentative.