Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| trotzdem | /ˈtʁɔtsdeːm/ /-dəm/ (colloquial) |
| ohnehin | /oːnəˈhɪn/ |
The term trotzdem is used to express that an action occurs despite a previously mentioned obstacle or circumstance. In more casual settings, you might hear the versatile word Egal used to mean 'anyway', 'regardless' or 'nevertheless'. To emphasize a point or confirm something in informal conversation, you can use the expression Auf jeden Fall, which means 'in any case' or 'definitely'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word trotzdem is a combination of trotz (despite) and dem (that/the), literally meaning 'despite that'.
Which one should you use?
Use trotzdem to mean 'despite the obstacle' (anyway/nevertheless). Use ohnehin to mean 'in any case', implying that something is true or will happen regardless of the current situation because the outcome is already set.
How does it change in a sentence?
When trotzdem starts a clause, the conjugated verb must follow immediately (V2 word order), for example: Trotzdem geht er.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʁɔtsdeːm/
Did you know?
- The casual term egal is used to say 'anyway' or 'it does not matter', but it is actually a loanword from the French word égal, meaning 'equal'.
- The word ohnehin is built from ohne meaning 'without' and hin meaning 'thither'. It originally carried the sense of something being true 'without (even) going there'.
- While English speakers often use 'anyway' to change the subject, using trotzdem in that context would sound like you are fighting an obstacle, which would confuse a German listener.
Examples in context
- Sie tat es trotzdem.She did it anyway.This sentence shows how to use trotzdem to say someone performed an action despite an obstacle.Tatoeba #7255002 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2556256 by Hybrid
- Ich liebe ihn trotzdem.I love him anyway.This example uses trotzdem to express loving someone regardless of circumstances.Tatoeba #3248680 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3248414 by Hybrid
- Ich liebe sie trotzdem.I love her anyway.This example uses trotzdem to express loving her regardless of circumstances.Tatoeba #3248682 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3248415 by Hybrid
- Das Projekt ist aufgrund unvorhergesehener Schwierigkeiten gescheitert. Wie dem auch sei, wir sollten unsere Erfahrungen nutzen und beim nächsten Mal vorsichtiger sein.The project failed due to unforeseen difficulties. Anyway, we should use our experiences and be more cautious next time.
- Ich weiß, dass wir uns heute nicht treffen können. Aber ich wollte dir sowieso etwas erzählen.I know we can't meet today, but I wanted to tell you something anyway.
- Das Restaurant war geschlossen, also haben wir uns einfach Pizza bestellt. Auf jeden Fall haben wir uns gut amüsiert.The restaurant was closed, so we just ordered pizza. Anyway, we had a good time for sure.
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are talking about a difficult hike.
- LukasDer Weg ist sehr steil, Hannah.The path is very steep, Hannah.
- HannahJa, aber ich wandere trotzdem gerne.Yes, but I like hiking anyway.
- LukasBist du sicher, dass du das schaffst?Are you sure you can do it?
- HannahJa, ich mache es trotzdem.Yes, I am doing it anyway.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “anyway” translations and entries trotzdem, ohnehin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ohnehin, trotzdem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
