Obwohl in German

A clear guide to the German subordinating conjunction "obwohl" (although/even though), explaining its meaning, usage, and grammar rules, with 25 examples, exercises, and resources for practice.

Understanding "Obwohl" in German

"Obwohl" is a subordinating conjunction meaning "although" or "even though." It introduces a dependent clause to show contrast and moves the verb to the end, followed by a comma and the main clause.

Key Points

  • Meaning: "Although" or "even though" - shows something unexpected.
  • Word Order: Verb goes to the end (e.g., "Obwohl es regnet").
  • Comma: Separates the "obwohl" clause from the main clause.

How to Use "Obwohl"

Showing Contrast

Highlights an unexpected result.

  1. Obwohl er müde ist, arbeitet er weiter. (Although he’s tired, he keeps working.)

Everyday Scenarios

Common in daily life situations.

  1. Obwohl ich kein Geld habe, kaufe ich das Buch. (Although I have no money, I buy the book.)

Feelings or Thoughts

Expresses emotions or opinions with a twist.

  1. Obwohl sie Angst hat, versucht sie es. (Although she’s scared, she tries it.)

List of 25 Common Examples with "Obwohl"

SentenceTranslation
Obwohl es kalt ist, gehe ich joggen.Although it’s cold, I go jogging.
Obwohl er krank war, kam er zur Schule.Although he was sick, he came to school.
Obwohl sie wenig Zeit hat, hilft sie mir.Although she has little time, she helps me.
Obwohl das Essen teuer war, schmeckte es schlecht.Although the food was expensive, it tasted bad.
Obwohl ich müde bin, schaue ich einen Film.Although I’m tired, I watch a movie.
Obwohl es regnet, spielen die Kinder draußen.Although it’s raining, the kids play outside.
Obwohl er viel lernt, besteht er die Prüfung nicht.Although he studies a lot, he doesn’t pass the exam.
Obwohl sie jung ist, ist sie sehr klug.Although she’s young, she’s very smart.
Obwohl wir spät ankamen, war das Konzert toll.Although we arrived late, the concert was great.
Obwohl das Auto alt ist, fährt es gut.Although the car is old, it drives well.
Obwohl er kein Deutsch spricht, versteht er alles.Although he doesn’t speak German, he understands everything.
Obwohl sie Angst hatte, sprang sie ins Wasser.Although she was scared, she jumped into the water.
Obwohl ich Hunger habe, esse ich jetzt nicht.Although I’m hungry, I’m not eating now.
Obwohl das Wetter schlecht ist, machen wir einen Ausflug.Although the weather is bad, we’re going on a trip.
Obwohl er reich ist, lebt er einfach.Although he’s rich, he lives simply.
Obwohl sie traurig war, lächelte sie.Although she was sad, she smiled.
Obwohl wir viel üben, machen wir Fehler.Although we practice a lot, we make mistakes.
Obwohl das Spiel schwer war, haben wir gewonnen.Although the game was hard, we won.
Obwohl ich ihn nicht kenne, vertraue ich ihm.Although I don’t know him, I trust him.
Obwohl es dunkel ist, gehe ich spazieren.Although it’s dark, I go for a walk.
Obwohl sie keine Erfahrung hat, macht sie es gut.Although she has no experience, she does it well.
Obwohl der Film lang war, war er spannend.Although the movie was long, it was exciting.
Obwohl ich krank bin, gehe ich zur Arbeit.Although I’m sick, I go to work.
Obwohl er schnell fährt, kommt er nicht pünktlich.Although he drives fast, he doesn’t arrive on time.
Obwohl das Buch teuer ist, kaufe ich es.Although the book is expensive, I buy it.

Exercises to Practice "Obwohl"

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Word Order

Select the sentence with the correct word order for "obwohl."

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank

Choose the correct verb form for the "obwohl" clause.

  1. Obwohl es ___ , gehe ich joggen.
  2. Obwohl er viel ___ , versteht er es nicht.
  3. Obwohl sie keine Zeit ___ , hilft sie mir.
  4. Obwohl das Auto alt ___ , fährt es gut.
  5. Obwohl ich krank ___ , gehe ich zur Schule.

Exercise 3: Translate into German

Choose the correct translation using "obwohl."

  1. Although it’s cold, I’m going outside.
  2. Although he’s tired, he keeps going.
  3. Although the movie was long, I liked it.
  4. Although she’s young, she’s smart.
  5. Although I’m hungry, I’m not eating.

Exercise 4: Combine Sentences

Choose the correct combination with "obwohl."

  1. It’s raining. I’m going for a walk.
  2. He studies a lot. He doesn’t understand.
  3. The book is expensive. I buy it.
  4. She’s scared. She tries it.
  5. We arrived late. The party was fun.

Exercise 5: Create Your Own

Choose the correct "obwohl" sentence based on the prompt.

  1. It’s cold, but you go outside.
  2. He’s tired, but he works.
  3. The test is hard, but you pass.
  4. She’s young, but she’s wise.
  5. I’m sick, but I go to school.

Tips for Using "Obwohl" Correctly

  • Verb at the End: Place the verb at the end of the "obwohl" clause.
  • Contrast Focus: Use it to show opposites (e.g., tired but working).
  • Practice Speaking: Say sentences aloud to get the flow.
  • Vary Tenses: Try it with past or modal verbs for practice.

Resources for Extra Practice

YouTube - Learn German with Anja
Videos explaining conjunctions like "obwohl."

Visit Learn German with Anja

Deutsch Lernen (Lingolia)
Lessons and exercises on "obwohl."

Visit Lingolia

YouTube - Easy German
Conversations showing "obwohl" in use.

Visit Easy German

See Also

Weil Sentences Dass Clauses Genitive Case
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