Start with the intended meaning
The contrast and connector overview supplies the starting comparison mentioned below. This lesson focuses on a given circumstance versus an open condition.
Choose the intended concession, not just a connector
The existing obwohl/trotzdem contrast remains your starting point. Add the distinction between an asserted circumstance and an open condition. Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir spazieren. presents the rain as holding in this situation. Auch wenn es morgen regnet, gehen wir spazieren. says that tomorrow’s possible rain will not stop the walk. The second sentence does not by itself assert that it will rain.
Context can also give auch wenn a factual concessive reading: Auch wenn ich müde bin, höre ich dir zu. can acknowledge current tiredness. Do not replace the context with a rule that auch wenn is always hypothetical. selbst wenn often highlights a stronger or less expected condition. The intended contrast must still make sense.
Wenngleich introduces a concessive subordinate clause and is useful mainly in more formal writing: Wenngleich der Vorschlag teuer ist, prüfen wir ihn. The finite verb ends the subordinate clause; the following main clause begins with prüfen. For neutral everyday writing, obwohl is often the easier choice. Generalizing forms such as wer auch immer belong to the separate advanced reference.
1. You do not know whether tomorrow will be rainy. Keep the plan despite that possibility.
Answer and reason: Auch wenn es morgen regnet, treffen wir uns. The rain is an open condition, not an asserted fact.
2. The room is small, but the group fits. Use wenngleich.
Answer and reason: Wenngleich der Raum klein ist, passt die Gruppe hinein. Ist is final in the subordinate clause; passt starts the main clause.
3. Does auch wenn always mean that the circumstance is uncertain?
Answer and reason: No. Context can establish a factual concessive reading. State the intended circumstance clearly.
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German connectors for contrast, purpose and sequence · Find another grammar topic
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