Concessive Clauses with so ... auch
To emphasize a strong contrast—like staying at a post despite harsh isolation—German uses a dependent clause with so and auch.
This expresses concepts like "As old as the lighthouse is..." or "However old the lighthouse is...". The formula is:
so + [Adjective/Adverb] + Subject + ... + auch + [Conjugated Verb]
As a dependent clause, the conjugated verb is pushed to the very end. Normally, starting a sentence with a dependent clause forces the following main clause to begin with its verb. However, a so ... auch clause acts as an exception, leaving the main clause's standard Subject-Verb order intact.
| As old as the lighthouse is, the keeper stays there. | So alt der Leuchtturm auch ist, der Wärter bleibt dort. |
| As isolated as the duty is, the keeper likes working. | So isoliert der Dienst auch ist, der Wärter arbeitet gern. |
Emphasizing Extreme Actions
You can also use this structure with adverbs to emphasize how or how long an extreme action happens. Pair so with an adverb like heftig (violently) or lange (long) to show that extreme conditions have no effect on the outcome.
| However violently the severe storm rages, the lighthouse remains standing. | So heftig das Unwetter auch tobt, der Leuchtturm bleibt stehen. |
| However long the severe storm rages, the keeper must endure it. | So lange das Unwetter auch tobt, der Wärter muss es aushalten. |
Everyday Challenges
Whether dealing with a monotonous routine or freezing sea spray (die Gischt), this structure captures the keeper's unyielding endurance.
| However monotonous everyday life is, he never leaves the island. | So monoton der Alltag auch ist, er verlässt die Insel nie. |
| However high the sea spray whips, the light continues to burn. | So hoch die Gischt auch peitscht, das Licht brennt weiter. |