obwohl

German

Etymology

Univerbation of ob +‎ wohl, from the older use of ob as a conditional and concessive conjunction, reinforced with an adverb. Compare obgleich, obschon, obzwar and also gleichwohl.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɔpˈvoːl/

• Audio:

  (file)

Conjunction

obwohl

1. although, though, while

   Frau Anna, unsere Empfangsdame, flirtet mit Patienten, obwohl sie Mutter von drei Kindern ist.

   Ms. Anna, our receptionist, flirts with patients, although she is the mother of three children.

Usage notes

Of all the synonyms, this is the most generally used option to introduce a concessive clause, and the only one for most speakers in everyday practice, excluding literary or formal custom.

Synonyms

• obgleich, wenngleich, trotzdem; gleichwohl; obzwar, wiewohl; obschon

Related terms

• ob
• wohl

Further reading

• “obwohl” in Duden online
• “obwohl” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache

Hunsrik

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /oːpˈvoːl/

Conjunction

obwohl

1. although, though, while

   Obwohl es kalt is, sim-mer maaie gang.

   Although it is cold, we are going tomorrow.

Further reading

• Online Hunsrik Dictionary