Breakdown of So lange das Unwetter auch tobt, der Wärter muss es aushalten.
auch
also, too
es
it
müssen
to have to, must
lange
for a long time, long
so
so, such (intensifier)
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
der Wärter
the keeper
das Unwetter
the severe storm
toben
to rage
aushalten
to endure
Questions & Answers about So lange das Unwetter auch tobt, der Wärter muss es aushalten.
What is the word auch doing in the first part of the sentence?
It changes the meaning from "as long as" to "however long" or "no matter how long." The structure so [adjective/adverb] ... auch creates a concessive clause, showing that the action in the main clause happens despite the intensity or duration described. Without auch, So lange das Unwetter tobt would just mean "As long as the storm is raging."
Why is the second half of the sentence der Wärter muss... instead of inverted like ...muss der Wärter?
Usually, a subordinate clause at the start of a sentence pushes the main clause's verb into the very next slot. However, concessive clauses built with so ... auch are often treated as independent "free" clauses that don't take up the first position of the main sentence. Therefore, the main clause can just start normally with its subject (der Wärter). You can still use the inverted word order (..., muss der Wärter es aushalten), as both are grammatically correct.
Why use Unwetter instead of just Sturm or schlechtes Wetter?
Unwetter is a specific term for severe, extreme, or damaging weather, such as violent thunderstorms or massive hail. While schlechtes Wetter just means bad weather (like an ordinary rainy day) and Sturm specifically means a gale or high wind, Unwetter emphasizes the dangerous and destructive nature of the event.
Is aushalten a separable verb here?
Yes, aushalten (to endure or withstand) is a separable verb (aus + halten). In this sentence, it stays together in its infinitive form at the very end because of the modal verb muss earlier in the clause. If the sentence didn't have a modal verb, it would split: Der Wärter hält es aus.
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