despite
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despite
As a preposition with the genitive (also dative in colloquial speech) that indicates a counter-reason; 'although'.
Trotz des starken Regens fand das Fußballspiel statt.
Despite the heavy rain, the soccer game took place.
The preposition 'trotz' (despite) is related to the noun 'der Trotz' (defiance), which means 'resistance' or 'stubbornness'. So you can imagine 'trotz des Wetters' (despite the weather) as 'in resistance to the weather'.
Aus reinem Trotz hörte das Kind nicht auf zu schreien.
Out of pure defiance, the child did not stop screaming.
Although the genitive after 'trotz' (despite) is considered correct in standard German, the dative is used in everyday language and often in written language as well. Both forms are very common.
Trotz des schlechten Wetters machen wir einen Spaziergang. (Genitiv)
Despite the bad weather, we're going for a walk. (genitive)
The expression 'trotz allem' (despite everything) often appears at the beginning of a sentence and introduces a main clause in which the verb follows directly (position 2). It summarizes previously mentioned difficulties.
Es gab viele Probleme bei der Planung. Trotz allem war die Feier ein großer Erfolg.
There were many problems with the planning. Despite everything, the celebration was a great success.
although
'obwohl' and 'trotz' both express a counter-reason: something happens even though there is a reason against it. The most important difference is the grammar. 'obwohl' introduces a subordinate clause with a verb. 'trotz' is a preposition and comes before a noun or noun phrase. So they can often be understood similarly in meaning, but they are not built the same way. Learners easily confuse them because their meanings are close. Remember: 'obwohl' needs a full subordinate clause, while 'trotz' needs a noun.
Trotz des langen Arbeitstags ruft er nach dem Unterricht noch seine Freundin an.
Despite the long workday, he still calls his girlfriend after class.
Mein Kollege kommt zur Besprechung, obwohl er heute viele andere Termine hat.
My colleague is coming to the meeting, although he has many other appointments today.