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Konzessivsätze mit obwohl

obwohl-Sätzefor English Speakers

Introduction

German 'obwohl' translates directly to English 'although' or 'even though' and expresses a concession — something unexpected. The concept is identical in both languages. The key difference is structural: obwohl sends the verb to the end of its clause. English speakers grasp the meaning instantly but need practice with the word order shift that all German subordinate conjunctions require.

German vs English

In German

Obwohl er müde war, arbeitete er weiter.

In English

Although he was tired, he kept working.

Key Difference

Same meaning and logic — just verb-final order in the German obwohl-clause.

In German

Sie ging spazieren, obwohl es regnete.

In English

She went for a walk, although it was raining.

Key Difference

Obwohl can come mid-sentence too, just like 'although' — but the verb still goes to the end.

Common Mistakes for English Speakers

Obwohl er war müde, arbeitete er weiter.

Keeping English word order — the conjugated verb must move to the end in the obwohl-clause.

Obwohl er müde war, arbeitete er weiter.

Obwohl es regnete, sie ging spazieren.

Forgetting the main clause inversion — after the obwohl-clause, the verb comes before the subject.

Obwohl es regnete, ging sie spazieren.

Practice Examples

Obwohl ich kein Geld habe, kaufe ich das Buch.

Although I have no money, I'm buying the book.

Er lächelte, obwohl er traurig war.

He smiled although he was sad.

Obwohl es spät war, blieben wir noch.

Although it was late, we stayed longer.

Memory Tip

OBWOHL = 'although' + verb-to-the-end — the meaning is easy, just remember the word order.

View Grammar Rule

Konzessivsätze mit obwohl

obwohl-SätzeB1

Practice Exercises

Konzessivsätze mit obwohl Übungen

8 exercises

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