Overcoming obstacles with trotzdem
Use trotzdem (nevertheless, anyway) to talk about doing something despite a challenge or obstacle.
Unlike subordinate conjunctions, trotzdem is an adverb. When you put it at the beginning of a sentence, it takes up Position 1. This means the conjugated verb must immediately follow it in Position 2, pushing the subject to the third position.
| The mountain is steep. Nevertheless, we climb. | Der Berg ist steil. Trotzdem klettern wir. |
| You sit on the ice. Nevertheless, you do not freeze. | Man sitzt auf dem Eis. Trotzdem friert man nicht. |
| The heat is terrible. Nevertheless, you do not sweat. | Die Hitze ist schrecklich. Trotzdem schwitzt man nicht. |
Separable verbs with trotzdem
Because a sentence starting with trotzdem is just a standard main clause, separable verbs behave normally. The conjugated part of the verb takes Position 2, and the prefix detaches and jumps to the very end of the sentence.
| The pain is bad. Nevertheless, they never give up. | Der Schmerz ist schlimm. Trotzdem geben sie nie auf. |
| The ice is dangerous. Nevertheless, we are not giving up. | Das Eis ist gefährlich. Trotzdem geben wir nicht auf. |
Fighting through it
Here is one more example of pushing through tough conditions, using the verb kämpfen (to fight) and the adjective mutig (brave).
| The team is weak. Nevertheless, it fights bravely. | Die Mannschaft ist schwach. Trotzdem kämpft sie mutig. |
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