Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren.
English: Although it is raining, we are going for a walk.
- Language
- German
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Nebensätze und Satzstruktur
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Konzessivsätze are subordinate clauses in German that express a contrast or concession. They show that something happens even though there is an obstacle or reason against it.
When to use it
Use Konzessivsätze in German when you want to say that something happens despite a problem, difficulty, or contrary reason. They connect two ideas: one is an obstacle, but the main action still happens.
Key forms
- obwohl + Nebensatz (Verb am Ende)
- obgleich + Nebensatz (Verb am Ende)
- wenngleich + Nebensatz (Verb am Ende)
Examples
Er kommt, obwohl er müde ist.
English: He is coming, although he is tired.
Obgleich sie wenig Zeit hat, hilft sie uns.
English: Although she has little time, she helps us.
Wir haben gewonnen, obwohl wir nicht trainiert haben.
English: We won, although we did not train.
Tips
- Remember: The verb goes to the end in the subordinate clause (obwohl-Satz).
- Do not confuse 'obwohl' with 'weil' (because). 'Obwohl' means 'although' or 'even though'.
- The main clause and the obwohl-clause can switch places, but the verb in the obwohl-clause stays at the end.