Trotzdem vs. Obwohl — "Despite" vs. "Although" in German
Quick Rule
Two separate sentences? → trotzdem. One complex sentence with a dependent clause? → obwohl. (Both express contrast.)
trotzdem vs. obwohl — The Rules
trotzdem
"Trotzdem" is an adverb meaning "nevertheless/despite that". It connects two main clauses. Word order: trotzdem + verb + subject (inverted). It starts a NEW independent clause.
obwohl
"Obwohl" is a subordinating conjunction meaning "although/even though". It starts a dependent clause where the verb goes to the END. It creates one complex sentence.
Examples — Side by Side
Es regnet. Trotzdem gehe ich spazieren.
It's raining. Nevertheless, I'm going for a walk.
Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich spazieren.
Although it's raining, I'm going for a walk.
Er ist müde. Trotzdem arbeitet er weiter.
He's tired. Nevertheless, he keeps working.
Obwohl er müde ist, arbeitet er weiter.
Although he's tired, he keeps working.
Das Essen war teuer. Trotzdem hat es geschmeckt.
The food was expensive. Nevertheless, it was tasty.
Obwohl das Essen teuer war, hat es geschmeckt.
Although the food was expensive, it was tasty.
Ich habe wenig Zeit. Trotzdem helfe ich dir.
I have little time. Still, I'll help you.
Obwohl ich wenig Zeit habe, helfe ich dir.
Although I have little time, I'll help you.
Common Mistakes
Trotzdem es regnet, gehe ich spazieren.
Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich spazieren.
"Trotzdem" can't introduce a dependent clause. Use "obwohl" for that structure.
Obwohl es regnet. Ich gehe spazieren.
Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich spazieren. (one sentence)
"Obwohl" creates a dependent clause — it can't stand alone as a sentence.
Er arbeitet weiter, trotzdem er müde ist.
Er arbeitet weiter, obwohl er müde ist.
"Trotzdem" doesn't take a subject+verb clause after it. Use "obwohl" for that.
Memory Trick
"obwohl" = verb goes WOHL to the end (subordinating). "trotzdem" = TROTZ that, I do this anyway (two clauses).
Quick Quiz
1. Es ist kalt. ___ gehen wir schwimmen.
2. ___ er kein Geld hat, kauft er ein neues Auto.
3. After "trotzdem", the word order is:
