Learn how to connect sentences using the conjunctions "obwohl" (although), "trotzdem" (nevertheless), and the formal "dennoch" (still). Practice with examples like "Ich habe wenig Platz, dennoch packe ich alles ein."
Konjunktion (Conjunction)Beispiel (Example)
obwohl (although)Ich habe mein Handgepäck gepackt, obwohl es klein ist. (I have packed my hand luggage, although it is small.)
trotzdem (nevertheless)Das Gepäck ist schwer, trotzdem nehme ich es mit. (The luggage is heavy, nevertheless I am taking it with me.)
dennoch (nevertheless)Ich habe wenig Platz, dennoch packe ich alles ein. (I have little space, nevertheless I pack everything.)

Exceptions!

  1. "Dennoch" is more formal than "trotzdem", but has the same meaning.

Exercise 1: Satzverbindungen mit „trotzdem", „dennoch" und

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

trotzdem, dennoch, obwohl

1.
Die Geschäftsreise ist sehr spontan, ... bin ich sehr gut vorbereitet.
(Die Geschäftsreise ist sehr spontan, dennoch bin ich sehr gut vorbereitet.)
2.
Ich habe mein Handgepäck gepackt,... es klein ist.
(Ich habe mein Handgepäck gepackt,obwohl es klein ist.)
3.
Der Koffer ist schwer, ... gehe ich zum Flughafen.
(Der Koffer ist schwer, trotzdem gehe ich zum Flughafen.)
4.
Das Gepäck ist schwer, ... nehme ich es mit.
(Das Gepäck ist schwer, trotzdem nehme ich es mit.)
5.
Der Koffer ist schon voll, ... packe ich noch die Unterwäsche ein.
(Der Koffer ist schon voll, trotzdem packe ich noch die Unterwäsche ein.)
6.
Ich packe das Gepäck aus, ... es spät ist.
(Ich packe das Gepäck aus, obwohl es spät ist.)
7.
Ich habe wenig Platz, ... packe ich alles ein.
(Ich habe wenig Platz, dennoch packe ich alles ein.)
8.
Pack die Unterwäsche ein ,... der Koffer klein ist.
(Pack die Unterwäsche ein ,obwohl der Koffer klein ist.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: In each block, choose the sentence that is grammatically correct and uses the word 'although' or 'nevertheless' correctly to connect two sentences. Pay attention to the most common mistakes when connecting sentences with these words.

1.
'Nevertheless' connects main clauses; here, 'although' should be used.
In the subordinate clause with 'although', the verb must be at the end; the word order here is incorrect.
2.
'Although' introduces a subordinate clause, but here a main clause is needed; also, the word order is wrong.
'Nevertheless' is followed by a main clause with normal word order; here, the word order is incorrect.
3.
After the subordinate clause with 'although' follows a main clause; the subject is duplicated here, which is incorrect.
'Nevertheless' is not used together with 'although' in one sentence; this combination is ungrammatical.
4.
Incorrect use of 'although': the word order is wrong and the subordinate clause is incomplete.
'Nevertheless' is followed by a main clause without a subordinate clause; here, the connection and word order are incorrect.

Connecting Sentences with "trotzdem", "dennoch", and "obwohl"

This lesson focuses on how to link two sentences in German using the conjunctions „obwohl“, „trotzdem“, and „dennoch“. Understanding these connectors is fundamental for expressing contrast and concession in your sentences, a key skill at the A2 level.

What You Will Learn

  • How to correctly use „obwohl“ to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast or concession.
  • The difference between „trotzdem“ and „dennoch“ as connectors between two main clauses.
  • Word order rules specific to sentences with these conjunctions.
  • Common sentence patterns and examples for everyday conversation.

Key Expressions and Examples

„obwohl“ is used at the beginning of a subordinate clause with the verb at the end:

Ich habe mein Handgepäck gepackt, obwohl es klein ist.

„trotzdem“ connects two main clauses, usually with a comma, and the word order follows normal main clause rules (verb as the second element):

Das Gepäck ist schwer, trotzdem nehme ich es mit.

„dennoch“ functions similarly to „trotzdem“ but is slightly more formal:

Ich habe wenig Platz, dennoch packe ich alles ein.

Word Order and Usage Tips

  • After „obwohl“, the verb goes to the end of the subordinate clause.
  • Both „trotzdem“ and „dennoch“ connect two independent clauses and the verb comes immediately after the connector.
  • „Dennoch“ is more formal, so you can use „trotzdem“ in casual conversation.

Differences Between English and German Sentence Connections

In English, conjunctions like "although" introduce subordinate clauses, similar to German „obwohl“. However, English often uses "despite" or "however" similarly to German „trotzdem“ and „dennoch“, though English sentence order is generally more flexible. In German, the verb placement is especially important: after subordinate conjunctions like „obwohl“, the verb moves to the end. Also, „trotzdem“ and „dennoch“ require two main clauses, which differs from English conjunction usage.

Useful phrases:

  • obwohl – although, even though
  • trotzdem – nevertheless, still, despite that
  • dennoch – nevertheless, yet (more formal)

Written by

This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

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Louis Fernando Hess

Bachelor of Science - Intercultural Business Psychology

Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences

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Germany


Last Updated:

Tuesday, 02/12/2025 23:14