Master German Concessive Prepositions: List & Examples

Introduction

Mastering German grammar involves understanding various types of prepositions, including concessive prepositions. German concessive prepositions are essential for expressing contrast or concession in a sentence. They allow you to indicate that something happens despite certain conditions or obstacles. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most common German concessive prepositions, their meanings, and how to use them effectively in sentences.

What Are German Concessive Prepositions?

Concessive prepositions are used to express a contrast or exception. They help convey that an action occurs in spite of a particular circumstance. In German, these prepositions require the noun or pronoun following them to be in the genitive case. Understanding how to use these prepositions is crucial for adding depth and nuance to your German language skills.

List of German Concessive Prepositions

Below is a list of common German concessive prepositions along with their English translations:

German Preposition	English Translation
trotz	despite
ungeachtet	regardless of
unbeschadet	notwithstanding
selbst bei	even with
ungeachtet dessen	despite that

Example Sentences

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Here are example sentences for each concessive preposition, demonstrating how they are used in context:

Preposition	German Example Sentence	English Translation
trotz	Trotz des Regens gehen wir spazieren.	Despite the rain, we are going for a walk.
ungeachtet	Ungeachtet der Warnungen setzte er die Reise fort.	Regardless of the warnings, he continued the journey.
unbeschadet	Unbeschadet der Risiken investierte sie in das neue Projekt.	Notwithstanding the risks, she invested in the new project.
selbst bei	Selbst bei schlechtem Wetter findet das Spiel statt.	Even with bad weather, the game will take place.
ungeachtet dessen	Ungeachtet dessen, was passiert ist, müssen wir weitermachen.	Despite what happened, we must carry on.

Conclusion

Understanding and using German concessive prepositions like trotz, ungeachtet, and unbeschadet enriches your ability to express complex ideas and contrasts. By incorporating these prepositions into your vocabulary, you'll communicate more effectively and naturally in German. Practice using them in sentences to become more comfortable with their meanings and grammatical structures.

FAQs

What case follows German concessive prepositions?

German concessive prepositions like trotz, ungeachtet, and unbeschadet are typically followed by the genitive case.

Can concessive prepositions be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, concessive prepositions are used in both formal and informal contexts. However, some prepositions like unbeschadet are more common in formal writing or legal language.

How do concessive prepositions enhance my German language skills?

They allow you to express contrast and complexity in your sentences, making your speech and writing more nuanced and sophisticated.

Where can I read more about German concessive clauses?

You can get detailed information about the concessive clauses in German: here.