Obwohl
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
Concession: although; verb final.
How it works
Obwohl (although) introduces a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast or unexpected outcome. The verb goes to the end. The main clause often has a word like trotzdem (nevertheless), but this is not required: Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren.
When to use it
Use obwohl (although) to express a contrast with a verb at the end of the clause.
Use cases
- Describing an unexpected result: Obwohl er krank war, kam er zur Arbeit
- Expressing a concession: Obwohl das Essen teuer ist, kaufen wir es
- Making an argument in writing: Obwohl die Idee gut ist, gibt es Probleme
Examples
- Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich – Although it rains I go
- Ich bleibe zu Hause, obwohl das Wetter schön ist. – I am staying at home, although the weather is nice.
- Sie lernt viel, obwohl sie keine Zeit hat. – She studies a lot, although she has no time.
- Obwohl er jung ist, spricht er gut Deutsch. – Although he is young, he speaks good German.
Common mistake
Using aber after obwohl; "obwohl" already shows the contrast.
Memory tip
Obwohl = although. The verb goes to the end: "Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren."
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.