Expressing a contrast or contradiction with obwohl, trotzdem, zwar, etc.
We use words like obwohl (although), trotzdem (nevertheless), zwar... aber (indeed… but) to introduce a contrast or contradiction.
- obwohl + subject + verb
Obwohl wir müde sind, gehen wir in die Kneipe.
Although we are tired, we're going to the pub.
Wir fahren in die Schweiz, obwohl wir kein Geld haben.
We're traveling to Switzerland even though we don't have any money.
- trotzdem/dennoch + verb + subject
Es ist kalt, trotzdem/dennoch essen wir draußen.
It's cold, yet/however we're still eating outside.
- zwar + verb + subject, aber + subject + verb
Zwar ist Rüdiger nett, aber er ist nicht sehr kompetent.
Rüdiger is indeed nice, but he is not very competent.
- trotz + noun in the genitive Gen.-Endungen
Trotz des Regens machen wir ein Picknick.
Despite the rain, we're having a picnic.
Trotzdem/dennoch and zwar can also come in the middle of the sentence. In this case, the sentence simply begins with subject + verb.
Wir essen trotzdem/dennoch draußen.
We're eating outdoors anyway/nonetheless.
Rüdiger ist zwar nett, aber er ist nicht sehr kompetent.
Rüdiger is indeed nice, but he isn't very competent.
Note: trotzdem comes after the sentence or phrase it contradicts.
Wir sprechen kein Spanisch. Trotzdem fahren wir nach Madrid.
We don't speak Spanish. Nevertheless, we're going to Madrid.
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