"obwohl" (Konzessivsatz)
"obwohl" (concessive clause)
"obwohl" (although/even though) states an unexpected contrast: something happens even though you'd expect the opposite. It introduces a subordinate clause, so the verb goes to the end.
Note the difference from "trotzdem": "obwohl" is a conjunction (clause, verb at the end), "trotzdem" is an adverb (main clause, verb in position 2). Both express the same contrast.
| Main clause | Clause with "obwohl" |
|---|---|
| Ich gehe spazieren, | obwohl es regnet. (although it's raining) |
| Er kauft es, | obwohl es teuer ist. (although it's expensive) |
| Sie ist fit, | obwohl sie nie trainiert. (although she never trains) |
Note:
- "obwohl" = conjunction → verb at the end.
- Same meaning with "trotzdem" (adverb): Es regnet. Trotzdem gehe ich spazieren.
- A comma comes before "obwohl".
Examples:
- Ich gehe spazieren, obwohl es regnet. (I go for a walk although it's raining.)
- Obwohl er müde war, arbeitete er weiter. (Although he was tired, he kept working.)
- Sie kauft das Auto, obwohl es teuer ist. (She buys the car although it's expensive.)
Ich gehe spazieren, ___ es regnet.