B1 · GRAMMAR
obwohl, während, falls, sobald, seitdem
Subordinate clause conjunctions become more common at B1. The most important is obwohl (although): it means the same as trotzdem and trotz, but has a different structure. Besides that, we have falls (in case / if), sobald (as soon as), während (while / whereas) and seitdem (since). In all of these, the conjugated verb goes to the end.
In this lesson
1. obwohl = although
Subordinate clause, verb at the end.
Obwohl ich müde bin, arbeite ich.
Although I am tired, I am working.
2. 3 ways, 1 meaning
obwohl (subordinate clause), trotzdem (verb right after), trotz + Genitive.
3. falls = in case
Possible situation, similar to wenn.
Falls es regnet, nehmen wir den Bus.
In case it rains, we'll take the bus.
4. sobald / seitdem
sobald = as soon as, seitdem = ever since.
Sobald ich zu Hause bin, rufe ich an.
As soon as I am home, I'll call.
5. während
1) while (at the same time), 2) whereas (contrast).
Während ich koche, hört er Musik.
While I am cooking, he is listening to music.
💡 obwohl and trotzdem are mirror images of each other: 'Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich raus.' = 'Es regnet, trotzdem gehe ich raus.' One is a subordinate clause (verb at the end), the other is a main clause (verb right after).