obwohl vs trotzdem
When to Use
obwohl is a subordinating conjunction meaning 'although' — verb at the end. trotzdem is an adverb meaning 'nevertheless' — takes position 1 or middle position, with V2 word order. Both express concession but have completely different grammar.
Comparison
| obwohl | trotzdem | |
|---|---|---|
| Word order | Verb at END | Verb SECOND (V2) |
| Type | Subordinating conjunction | Adverb |
| Position | Introduces clause | Position 1 or mid-sentence |
Examples
Correct
Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich raus.
Wrong
Obwohl es regnet, ich gehe raus.
Correct
Es regnet. Trotzdem gehe ich raus.
Wrong
Es regnet. Trotzdem ich gehe raus.
Tips
obwohl = verb at end (like weil). trotzdem = verb in position 2 (like denn/deshalb).
You can combine: 'Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich trotzdem raus.' (although... nevertheless)
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