obwohl
/ɔpˈvoːl/
Definition
Used to introduce a clause that contrasts with or surprises the main idea; means "even though" or "although."
Example
Obwohl es regnete, gingen wir spazieren.
Show translation
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Etymology
A compound of the Middle High German *ob* ("if, whether") and *wohl* ("well, indeed"). The pairing evolved to express concession — "well, whether or not that be so" — eventually solidifying into the modern meaning of "although."
Cultural note
German has several near-synonyms for concession: *obwohl*, *obgleich*, *obschon*, and *wenngleich* all translate roughly as "although," but *obwohl* is by far the most common in everyday spoken and written German. All of them force the verb to the end of the subordinate clause — a key grammatical feature learners must remember.