nevertheless / still
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nevertheless / still
Expresses that something happens even though there is a reason against it. It introduces a main clause and refers to a previously mentioned situation.
Es hat den ganzen Tag geregnet, aber wir sind trotzdem spazieren gegangen.
It rained all day, but we still went for a walk.
The word is made up of the preposition 'trotz' (despite) and the pronoun 'dem' (that). It literally means 'despite that' and refers to a previously mentioned reason or circumstance.
Das Wetter war schlecht. Trotzdem sind wir gewandert.
The weather was bad. Nevertheless, we went hiking.
'Trotzdem' (nevertheless/still) is an adverb that introduces a main clause. When it is in position 1, the conjugated verb follows directly in position 2. This is called inversion.
Ich war sehr müde. Trotzdem habe ich den Film zu Ende geschaut.
I was very tired. Still, I watched the film to the end.
In spoken language, 'trotzdem' (nevertheless/still) is sometimes used like a subordinate conjunction, with the verb at the end. This use is considered incorrect in written language.
Er ist zur Party gegangen, trotzdem er eigentlich keine Zeit hatte.
He went to the party, although he actually didn't have time.
but
'aber' and 'trotzdem' can both show that two statements do not fit well together. 'aber' simply connects a contrast or limitation. 'trotzdem' is stronger: something happens even though there is a reason against it. That is why 'trotzdem' often appears at the beginning of a new main clause or inside the sentence. Learners confuse the words because both express a contrast. A practical tip: for a simple contrast, you often use 'aber'. If you also mean 'even though that is the case', 'trotzdem' fits better.
Meine Kollegin ist müde, trotzdem fährt sie zum Termin.
My colleague is tired, but she still drives to the appointment.
Ich möchte mitkommen, aber ich habe heute keine Zeit.
I would like to come along, but I don't have time today.