Conjunctive adverbs of contrast
C1 · Advanced · Mastery
The rule
hingegen, dagegen, wohingegen.
How it works
Hingegen (on the other hand), dagegen (against that) and wohingegen (whereas) mark a contrast between two statements. They are adverbs and take the first position of the clause, so the verb follows. Wohingegen can also introduce a subordinate clause in formal writing.
When to use it
Contrast two ideas with hingegen (on the other hand), dagegen (against that) and wohingegen (whereas).
Use cases
- Contrasting two situations: Die Stadt ist laut, hingegen ist das Dorf ruhig
- Presenting an opposing argument: Dagegen spricht, dass die Kosten hoch sind
- Comparing two groups in an essay: Wohingegen die Jungen sparen, geben die Älteren mehr aus
Examples
- Er arbeitet, wohingegen sie ruht – He works whereas she rests
- Er mag Sport, sie hingegen mag Musik. – He likes sport, while she likes music.
- Dagegen sprechen die Ergebnisse der Studie. – Against this, the study results speak.
- Der Sommer war nass, dagegen war der Herbst trocken. – The summer was wet, whereas the autumn was dry.
Common mistake
Using hingegen as a conjunction with the verb at the end: it is an adverb, so the verb stays in position two.
Memory tip
Hingegen opens a main clause: Hingegen ist Berlin größer.