obwohl

Obwohl is a German subordinating conjunction meaning "although" or "even though." It introduces concessive subordinate clauses that present information contrasting with the main clause, often indicating an outcome that might be unexpected given the subordinate clause.

Etymology and history: Although common in modern German, the word is historical in origin. It derives from a combination of ob, meaning "whether," and wohl, meaning "well" or "truly." In Middle High German you could find spellings such as obwol or obwol. Today, obwohl is the standard form in contemporary use.

Grammar and usage: When obwohl introduces a subordinate clause, the finite verb of that clause appears at the end of the clause. The general sentence structure is: obwohl [subordinate clause], [main clause]. For example: Obwohl er krank war, ging er arbeiten. The main clause follows the subordinate clause, and its verb occupies the second position in simple sentences. Although the subordinate clause can come first, including after introductory adverbs, comma placement remains: comma before obwohl.

Semantics and style: Although expresses a concession or contrast—what is true in the subordinate clause does not prevent the action of the main clause. It is widely used in both spoken and written German. In more formal or literary contexts, alternatives such as obgleich or wenngleich may appear, though they are less common in everyday speech. Obhwohl is distinctly concessive and differs from ob, which introduces indirect questions or conditional content.

Examples in use: Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren. Ich bleibe zu Hause, obwohl ich müde bin.