Breakdown of Trotzdem ist sein Engagement nicht so hoch, wie der Chef erwartet.
sein
to be
nicht
not
der Chef
the boss (male)
so
so, such (intensifier)
hoch
high
wie
as (in comparisons)
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
trotzdem
nevertheless
erwarten
to expect
das Engagement
the commitment
Questions & Answers about Trotzdem ist sein Engagement nicht so hoch, wie der Chef erwartet.
How does the wie clause affect the word order of erwartet?
The structure so hoch, wie creates a comparative clause of equality. The wie part acts as a subordinate clause, which means the conjugated verb (erwartet) must be pushed to the very end of the sentence. This verb-final rule applies to all comparative subordinate clauses.
Why is the verb ist placed before the subject sein Engagement?
The word Trotzdem (nevertheless) is an adverb that takes up the first position in the main clause. Because German strictly places the conjugated verb in the second position, the subject (sein Engagement) must swap places and go third. Remember that trotzdem works differently than subordinating conjunctions like obwohl (although), which kick the verb to the end.
Is Engagement a false friend here?
Yes! In German, das Engagement (a loanword from French) means 'commitment', 'involvement', or 'dedication'. If you want to talk about an engagement to be married, you need the word die Verlobung.
Could I add es and say wie der Chef es erwartet?
Yes, you could. However, German frequently drops the pronoun es in these comparative clauses when the object is obvious from the first half of the sentence. Leaving it out sounds very natural, just as dropping 'it' does in the English translation.
Learn Trotzdem ist sein Engagement nicht so hoch, wie der Chef erwartet and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free