German word

obgleich

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔpˈglaɪ̯ç/

Meaning

  • conjunctionalthough

Example

Obgleich er müde war, arbeitete er weiter.

Although he was tired, he continued working.

Illustration for obgleich (although)

More examples

Er sprach ruhig, obgleich die Lage angespannt war.

He spoke calmly, although the situation was tense.

Core concept

A formal concession marker that places an opposing fact beside the main statement without canceling it.

Common phrases

  • obgleich er müde war

    although he was tired

  • obgleich die Lage angespannt war

    although the situation was tense

  • obgleich es Schwierigkeiten gab

    although there were difficulties

Similar words

obwohl: Introduces a concession showing that one fact does not prevent the main event.
auch wenn: Introduces a possible or real condition that does not prevent the main event.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet Zugeständnis; in der Schriftsprache gebräuchlich und in der Bedeutung oft mit obwohl vergleichbar.

Word origin

Obgleich developed from Middle High German obe gelîch, meaning roughly 'even if alike', with gelîch related to modern German gleich.

Usage tips

  • Obgleich is more common in formal writing, while obwohl is generally the more natural choice in everyday speech.

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