Concessive clauses (iako)

The Conjunction iako

In Croatian, you express "although" or "even though" using the conjunction iako to link contrasting ideas.

although
iako

Starting with iako

You can start your sentence with an iako clause to set up context (like a risk or high cost) before stating your main point. When the dependent clause comes first, separate it from the main clause with a comma.

Although there is a risk, we must do it.
Iako postoji rizik, moramo to napraviti.
Although the demand is big, I will agree.
Iako je zahtjev velik, pristat ću.
Although the chance is small, it will pay off.
Iako je šansa mala, isplatit će se.

Iako in the Middle

Alternatively, state your main action first and add the iako clause at the end. In Croatian, you always use a comma before iako, even when it comes in the middle of the sentence.

We must negotiate, although the compromise is difficult.
Moramo pregovarati, iako je kompromis težak.
I will not agree, although the chance is good.
Neću pristati, iako je šansa dobra.
We need a compromise, although there is a risk.
Trebamo kompromis, iako postoji rizik.