Both words connect a circumstance with an outcome that goes against the normal expectation.
The idea
Obwohl starts a subordinate clause with the verb at the end. Trotzdem is an adverb in a main clause; when it comes first, the conjugated verb comes immediately after it.
| Form / Muster | Beispiel / Gegensatz |
|---|---|
| obwohl + Nebensatz | obwohl es regnet |
| trotzdem + Hauptsatz | Trotzdem gehen wir. |
| Gegenerwartung | Regen → Spaziergang |
Examples
- Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren.
- Es regnet. Trotzdem gehen wir spazieren.
- Sie kommt, obwohl sie müde ist.
- Er hat wenig Zeit. Trotzdem hilft er uns.
- Obwohl der Film lang war, blieb ich wach.
- Das Café ist teuer. Wir gehen trotzdem hin.
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Watch out
Obwohl and trotzdem do not use the same clause pattern: obwohl es kalt ist, but trotzdem sitzen wir draußen. Check where the conjugated verb belongs.
Try it yourself
___ es kalt ist, sitzen wir draußen. (Obwohl / Trotzdem)
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Obwohl
Answer: “Obwohl”. This is a subordinate clause, so the finite verb belongs at the end.
Es ist kalt. Trotzdem ___ wir draußen. (sitzen / wir sitzen)
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sitzen
Answer: “sitzen”. The opening adverb takes the first position; the finite verb must immediately follow.
Sie läuft weiter, obwohl sie müde ___. (ist / sie ist)
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ist
Answer: “ist”. This is a subordinate clause, so the finite verb belongs at the end.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ es kalt ist, sitzen wir draußen. (Obwohl / Trotzdem)
Es ist kalt. Trotzdem ___ wir draußen. (sitzen / wir sitzen)
Sie läuft weiter, obwohl sie müde ___. (ist / sie ist)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Build two new sentences from “Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren.”. Change the information in the first position, then check where the finite verb belongs.