Concessive conjunctions (premda, mada)

Sometimes things don't go as planned, but we push through anyway. To express this kind of contrast—doing something despite an obstacle—Croatian uses concessive conjunctions like premda and mada.

Both words mean "although" or "even though" and are used interchangeably.

Using "Premda"

When beginning with premda (although), you state the obstacle first. You can emphasize your persistence by adding svejedno (anyway) in the main clause.

Although I am exhausted, I will work anyway.
Premda sam iscrpljen, svejedno ću raditi.
Although we have a malfunction, we must persist.
Premda imamo kvar, moramo ustrajati.

Using "Mada"

The conjunction mada (even though) works the same way. It can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

We will arrive anyway, even though there is a delay in traffic.
Svejedno ćemo stići, mada je zastoj u prometu.
Do not whine, even though the problem is unpleasant.
Nemoj kukati, mada je problem neugodan.
Even though she was exhausted, she smiled.
Mada je bila iscrpljena, nasmiješila se.

Pushing Through Everyday Challenges

These conjunctions are useful for everyday inconveniences like a delay (zastoj) or an unpleasant (neugodan) task.

Although the task is unpleasant, we will overcome it.
Premda je zadatak neugodan, savladat ćemo ga.
He never whines, even though his back hurts.
On nikada ne kuka, mada ga bole leđa.
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