DE-B1-0008: obwohl (although / even though)

The conjunction obwohl is used to express a contrast or unexpected result.

English equivalents:

• although
• even though
• though

Grammar Rule

obwohl introduces a subordinate clause (Nebensatz), so the conjugated verb goes to the end of the clause.

Structure

Hauptsatz + obwohl + ... Verb am Ende

or

Obwohl + ... Verb am Ende, Hauptsatz

Examples

• Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich spazieren.

Although it is raining, I am going for a walk.

* obwohl es regnet → subordinate clause

* gehe ich spazieren → main clause

• Ich gehe spazieren, obwohl es regnet.

I am going for a walk although it is raining.

→ Same meaning, different word order.

• Obwohl er müde ist, arbeitet er weiter.

Although he is tired, he keeps working.

• Sie lernt Deutsch, obwohl es schwierig ist.

She is learning German although it is difficult.

• Obwohl wir wenig Zeit haben, helfen wir dir.

Although we have little time, we will help you.

Important Word Order

Main clause first

✅ Ich gehe ins Kino, obwohl ich keine Zeit habe.

❌ Ich gehe ins Kino, obwohl ich habe keine Zeit.

The verb habe must be at the end.

Subordinate clause first

✅ Obwohl ich keine Zeit habe, gehe ich ins Kino.

→ Notice the inversion in the main clause:

• Normal: Ich gehe ins Kino.
• After a subordinate clause: gehe ich ins Kino.

obwohl vs aber

Both express contrast, but they are used differently.

aber = but

Ich bin müde, aber ich arbeite weiter.

→ I am tired, but I keep working.

Two main clauses.

obwohl = although

Ich arbeite weiter, obwohl ich müde bin.

→ I keep working although I am tired.

One main clause + one subordinate clause.

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