obwohl

Although (Obwohl)

Level 3

Use obwohl to connect two ideas where the second one is unexpected given the first. It translates to 'although' or 'even though' and requires the verb to move to the end of its clause.

How It Works

The conjunction obwohl is used to express a contrast or concession.

1. Word Order:
As a subordinating conjunction, obwohl sends the conjugated verb to the very end of the clause.
Example: Ich gehe spazieren, obwohl es regnet.

2. Sentence Position:

  • After the main clause: The main clause follows standard V2 word order, followed by a comma, then the obwohl clause.
  • Before the main clause: If you start with obwohl, the entire subordinate clause counts as 'position 1'. Therefore, the main clause must start with the verb to maintain the verb-second rule. This is often called the 'Verb-Comma-Verb' rule.
    Example: Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich spazieren.

3. Punctuation:
In German, a comma is mandatory to separate the main clause from the obwohl clause, regardless of which one comes first.

4. Register:
Obwohl is the standard way to say 'although' in all contexts. In very formal or literary writing, you might see obgleich or obschon, but obwohl is always correct.

Examples (4)

  1. Ich esse Pizza, obwohl ich keinen Hunger habe.

    I am eating pizza, although I am not hungry.

    Word by Word: I eat pizza, although I no hunger have.

    Notice how 'habe' moves to the end after 'obwohl'.

  2. Obwohl er viel gelernt hat, war die Prüfung schwer.

    Although he studied a lot, the exam was difficult.

    Word by Word: Although he much learned has, was the exam difficult.

    When starting with 'obwohl', the main clause starts with the verb 'war' immediately after the comma.

  3. Wir gehen schwimmen, obwohl das Wasser kalt ist.

    We are going swimming, even though the water is cold.

    Word by Word: We go swimming, although the water cold is.

    The verb 'ist' is placed at the end of the subordinate clause.

  4. Obwohl es erst acht Uhr ist, bin ich schon müde.

    Even though it is only eight o'clock, I am already tired.

    Word by Word: Although it only eight o'clock is, am I already tired.

    This shows the 'Verb-Comma-Verb' structure (ist, bin).

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'obwohl' with Verb-Second (V2) word order in formal writing.

    Obwohl ich bin müde, arbeite ich.
    Obwohl ich müde bin, arbeite ich.

    In standard German, 'obwohl' is a subordinating conjunction and must send the verb to the end. While you may hear V2 in casual speech, it is incorrect in exams and writing.

  • Confusing 'obwohl' with 'trotzdem'.

    Es regnet, obwohl gehe ich raus.
    Es regnet. Trotzdem gehe ich raus.

    'Obwohl' is a conjunction that starts a dependent clause. 'Trotzdem' is an adverb that usually starts a new main sentence or follows a period.

  • Using both 'obwohl' and 'trotzdem' in the same sentence.

    Obwohl es regnet, trotzdem gehe ich raus.
    Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich raus.

    You only need one connector to show concession. Using both is redundant and is not good style in standard German.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

obwohlLevel 3Although (Obwohl)

Learn This First

To use 'obwohl' correctly, you must first learn German subordinate clause structure, specifically the rule that the conjugated verb moves to the end. Additionally, you need to understand how starting a sentence with a subordinate clause affects the word order of the following main clause.

Words in This Pattern