Concession with obwohl and trotzdem

In brief

Use obwohl (‘although’ or ‘even though’) when something happens despite a circumstance that might suggest otherwise. It introduces a subordinate clause, so its conjugated verb goes at the end. Trotzdem means ‘nevertheless’ or ‘even so’ and links the idea to a main clause instead.

Form

Main clause + comma + obwohl + subject + … + conjugated verb; or Obwohl + subject + … + conjugated verb, + conjugated verb + subject + … . With trotzdem at the start of a main clause: Trotzdem + conjugated verb + subject + … .

Usage

• Use obwohl to include the unexpected circumstance in the same sentence: Ich gehe raus, obwohl es regnet.
• An obwohl clause can come first. Put the conjugated verb of the following main clause immediately after the comma: Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich raus.
• Use trotzdem to follow a statement with an unexpected outcome. At the start of the next main clause, it takes the first position, followed by the conjugated verb.

Examples

• Obwohl der Bus spät kam, war ich pünktlich. — Although the bus was late, I was on time.
• Ich gehe spazieren, obwohl ich müde bin. — I’m going for a walk even though I’m tired.
• Es regnet. Trotzdem gehen wir spazieren. — It’s raining. Even so, we’re going for a walk.
• Ich habe wenig Zeit. Trotzdem koche ich heute selbst. — I don’t have much time. Nevertheless, I’m cooking for myself today.

Common mistake

❌ Obwohl es regnet, wir gehen spazieren.

✅ Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren.

After an initial obwohl clause, the main clause begins with its conjugated verb. Do not keep English-style subject–verb order there.

Remember

Obwohl sends its verb to the end; trotzdem starts a main clause with the verb immediately after it.