Concessive meaning

Shows a condition that does not change the result:

• Auch wenn es teuer ist, kaufe ich es.
• Selbst wenn er anruft, ändert sich nichts.

Verb position

As with subclauses, finite verb goes to the end in the concessive clause.

Register

Useful for formal discussion, essays, and nuanced spoken argumentation.

Contrast with obwohl

obwohl states a real contrast; auch wenn/selbst wenn often sounds more hypothetical or emphatic.

Practical Examples

1. Ich werde morgen zur Arbeit gehen, auch wenn ich mich nicht ganz fit fühle.

• English: I will go to work tomorrow, even if I don't feel completely fit.
• Usage note: "Auch wenn" introduces a concession that is a real possibility, indicating that the main clause's action will occur despite this condition.

1. Selbst wenn es regnet, werden wir den Ausflug machen.

• English: Even if it rains, we will go on the excursion.
• Usage note: "Selbst wenn" emphasizes a stronger, often more hypothetical or extreme concession, highlighting that the main clause's action will happen regardless of a potentially difficult condition.

1. Sie würde das Angebot nicht annehmen, auch wenn sie es bräuchte.

• English: She wouldn't accept the offer, even if she needed it.
• Usage note: Here, "auch wenn" is used with Konjunktiv II in the subordinate clause to express a hypothetical concession, combined with a negation in the main clause.

1. Würdest du mir helfen, selbst wenn du sehr beschäftigt bist?

• English: Would you help me, even if you are very busy?
• Usage note: "Selbst wenn" is used in a question to inquire about someone's willingness under a challenging or extreme hypothetical condition.

1. Auch wenn die Aufgabe schwierig ist, müssen wir sie erledigen.

• English: Even if the task is difficult, we have to complete it.
• Usage note: Expresses a concession about a known fact or a high probability, indicating a necessity in the main clause despite the condition.

1. Er hat den Marathon beendet, selbst wenn er am Ende kaum noch gehen konnte.

• English: He finished the marathon, even if he could barely walk at the end.
• Usage note: Describes a past event, using "selbst wenn" to highlight the extreme condition under which the main action was still accomplished.

1. Auch wenn du dich entschuldigst, werde ich dir nicht sofort verzeihen.

• English: Even if you apologize, I won't forgive you immediately.
• Usage note: Combines a future-oriented concession with a negation in the main clause, indicating that the apology alone won't change the immediate outcome.

1. Das Projekt muss bis Freitag fertig sein, selbst wenn wir dafür Überstunden machen müssen.

• English: The project must be finished by Friday, even if we have to work overtime for it.
• Usage note: "Selbst wenn" emphasizes the absolute necessity of the main clause's action, regardless of the demanding condition.

1. Auch wenn es paradox klingt, manchmal ist weniger mehr.

• English: Even if it sounds paradoxical, sometimes less is more.
• Usage note: Used to acknowledge a potential contradiction or unusual observation before stating a general truth.

1. Könntest du das tun, selbst wenn es gegen deine Prinzipien verstößt?

• English: Could you do that, even if it violates your principles?
• Usage note: A challenging question using "selbst wenn" to explore the limits of someone's actions under a morally difficult hypothetical.

1. Sie hat die Prüfung bestanden, auch wenn sie nicht viel gelernt hatte.

• English: She passed the exam, even if she hadn't studied much.
• Usage note: Describes a past event where the outcome was unexpected given the concessive condition.

1. Selbst wenn ich reich wäre, würde ich meinen Job nicht aufgeben.

• English: Even if I were rich, I wouldn't give up my job.
• Usage note: Uses "selbst wenn" with Konjunktiv II to express a strong hypothetical concession, emphasizing a personal conviction.

1. Wir müssen die Wahrheit sagen, auch wenn es wehtut.

• English: We have to tell the truth, even if it hurts.
• Usage note: Expresses a moral imperative in the main clause, acknowledging a potentially unpleasant consequence in the concessive clause.

1. Auch wenn die Meinungen auseinandergehen, sollten wir eine Lösung finden.

• English: Even if opinions differ, we should find a solution.
• Usage note: Acknowledges a current state of disagreement while stressing the importance of finding a resolution.

1. Würden Sie das Risiko eingehen, selbst wenn die Erfolgschancen gering sind?

• English: Would you take the risk, even if the chances of success are low?
• Usage note: A question using "selbst wenn" to probe someone's willingness to act despite a highly unfavorable condition.