German Concessive clauses: Understanding Obwohl, Trotzdem and Trotz in German Grammar

Introduction

Mastering German concessive clauses is essential for boosting your grammar skills. In this article, we focus on key terms like "obwohl", "trotz", and "trotzdem," which are vital for expressing contrast or contradiction in German. 

Whether you're aiming to improve your spoken or written German, understanding how to use these terms correctly will take your language abilities to the next level. With clear explanations, examples, and a free quiz, this guide makes learning concessive clauses easy and effective.

What Are Concessive Clauses in German Grammar?

Concessive clauses are essential in German grammar, they express a contrast or contradiction. They often use words like “obwohl”, or “trotzdem”. They are used in the spoken and written language, which makes this topic relevant.

The Role of Obwohl: Understanding Its Use and Significance

“Obwohl”, a common subordinating conjunction, introduces a subordinate clause that presents a contrasting or opposing idea to the main clause. 

• The word "obwohl" can be replaced by "obgleich" and "obschon," though these alternatives are rarely used in everyday spoken German. 
• Using "obwohl" correctly is essential for clear communication, as it introduces a contrast between ideas. 
• When forming a sentence with "obwohl," the verb must always be placed at the end of the subordinate clause. This "obwohl" clause can either appear at the beginning or the second part of the sentence.

Examples: 

• Obwohl es regnet, geht der Junge in den Park. Although it is raining, the boy goes to the park.
• Tom bleibt Zuhause, obwohl die Sonne scheint. Tom stays at home even though the sun is shining.

 Concessive clauses with Trotzdem

Unlike “obwohl”, “trotzdem” functions as an adverb and appears in the main clause. The word "dennoch" can be used instead even tho it is less common. The word "trotzdem" is counted as a position in a sentence and can be placed at the 1st or 3rd/4th position.

Examples: 

• Tina würde gerne einen anderen Kurs besuchen, trotzdem macht sie es nicht. Tina would like to attend another course, but she doesn't. 
• Der Händler will der Frau etwas umsonst geben, sie will es trotzdem nicht. The shopkeeper wants to give the woman something for free, but she still doesn't want it.
• Der Schüler bekommt eine gute Note, dennoch freut er sich nicht. The student gets a good grade, but is not happy.

Comparison between Trotzdem and Obwohl

Trotzdem" is used in the second main clause, while "obwohl" functions as a conjunction for a subordinate clause, which can be placed either at the beginning or after the main clause.

Examples: 

1. Obwohl Peter morgen eine Klausur hat, lernt er nicht. Although Peter has an exam tomorrow, he's not studying.
2. Peter hat morgen eine Klausur, trotzdem lernt er nicht. Peter has an exam tomorrow, but he's not studying.

Trotz Sentences

The structure is a bit different and more difficult because you only have one main clause using a genitive.

Example: 

• Trotz des schlechten Wetters geht der Junge in den Park. Despite the bad weather, the boy goes to the park.

Concessive clauses in German: Free Quiz

Test your knowledge of concessive clauses in German! Take our free quiz now: here.

Expanding Vocabulary: Synonyms and Alternatives to 

Obwohl and Trotzdem

Exploring synonyms and alternatives to these terms can enrich one's vocabulary and offer different ways to express concession.

This part introduces useful conjunctions and adverbs for varied expression.

• "Obwohl" can be replaced by "obgleich" and "obschon".
• "Trotzdem" is interchangeable with "dennoch"

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Concessive Clauses

• Common errors include incorrect word order
• And misunderstanding the differences between 'obwohl' and 'trotzdem'.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Concessive Clauses: Vital for German communication.
• 'Obwohl': Introduces subordinate clauses with contrasting ideas.
• 'Trotzdem': Expresses a contrast with a main sentence.
• Expanding Vocabulary: Learn synonyms and alternatives.

FAQ:

What is the sentence structure? 

‘Obwohl’ introduces a subordinate clause, meaning the verb is positioned at the end of the sentence. On the other hand, ‘trotzdem’ is used in the second main sentence and can be placed in the 1st, 3rd, or 4th position.

For more details on German sentence structure, check out this article: here.

Is there a Quiz to practice? 

Yes, you can find a Quiz for trotzdem or obwohl: here.

Is there a difference between dennoch and trotzdem? 

• These two words are interchangeable. 

What should I know to learn these rules easily?

• To understand the rules in an easy way, it makes sense to focus at the beginning on the rules of “obwohl” and “trotzdem”.

Do the German cases have an impact of this grammar topic? 

• The cases in German are in general one of the most important grammar topics, but they never play a role for concessive clauses.

Are there other concessive prepositions besides ‘trotz’? 

Yes, there are other expressions that are less common, e.g. ‘ungeachtet’. You can read more about concessive prepositions in German: here.