Breakdown of Die Wohnung ist nett, obwohl die Miete hoch ist.
sein
to be
die Wohnung
the apartment
hoch
high
obwohl
although
Questions & Answers about Die Wohnung ist nett, obwohl die Miete hoch ist.
Why is the second ist at the very end of the sentence?
The word obwohl (although) is a subordinating conjunction. In German, these types of connecting words introduce a subordinate clause and force the conjugated verb (here, ist) to move to the very end of that clause.
Why is there a comma before obwohl?
In German, you must always separate a main clause (Die Wohnung ist nett) and a subordinate clause (the part starting with obwohl) with a comma. It is a strict punctuation rule, unlike in English where the comma is sometimes optional.
Could I flip this sentence around and start with obwohl?
Yes! You can say: Obwohl die Miete hoch ist, ist die Wohnung nett. Notice that because the entire obwohl clause acts as the first block of information, the second part must start immediately with its verb (ist) to satisfy the rule that the main verb comes second.
I thought nett meant nice or friendly for a person. Can I use it for an apartment?
Yes, just like in English, nett can describe things and places as well as people. When talking about an apartment, it simply means it is pleasant, cozy, or appealing.