against it / however
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against it
Expresses an objection, a rejection, or an opposing position toward a previously mentioned matter or opinion.
Der Vorschlag klingt gut, aber ich habe trotzdem etwas dagegen.
The proposal sounds good, but I still have something against it.
'Dagegen' is a pronominal adverb and is made up of 'da' and the preposition 'gegen'. It literally means 'against that' and refers to a previously mentioned thing or idea.
Ein neues Einkaufszentrum soll gebaut werden, aber viele Bürger sind dagegen.
A new shopping center is supposed to be built, but many citizens are against it.
The meaning depends heavily on the context. If 'dagegen' refers to an opinion, it expresses objection. If it compares two sentences, it means 'in contrast'. In a medical context, it asks about a remedy.
Ich bin für den Plan, mein Kollege ist aber dagegen.
I am in favor of the plan, but my colleague is against it.
When 'dagegen' expresses a contrast, it can stand in position 1, followed by the verb. But it can also stand after the verb and the subject in order to emphasize the subject.
Er liebt laute Musik. Dagegen bevorzuge ich die Stille.
He loves loud music. I, however, prefer silence.
but
'aber' and 'dagegen' can both express a contrast. 'aber' is very general and connects two statements that limit or contradict each other. 'dagegen' is more specific when someone is against something or when you directly compare two things. It often means 'im Gegensatz dazu' (in contrast to that) or shows an opposing position. Learners may confuse the words because both introduce a contrast after a first statement. If only a simple contrast is meant, 'aber' sounds more natural. When two sides or opinions are being set against each other, 'dagegen' often fits better.
Die Eltern finden den Ausflug gut, die Kinder sind dagegen.
The parents think the trip is a good idea; the children are against it.
Das Team möchte umziehen, aber die Miete ist zu teuer.
The team wants to move, but the rent is too expensive.