trotzdem
/ˈtʁɔtsdeːm/
The English word 'regardless' can be translated into German as trotzdem.
trotzdem is used as an adverb to mean 'despite that' or 'nevertheless'.
Meaning: 1 & 2. anyway (adv)
Which one should you use?
While the English 'regardless' can sometimes mean 'without regard to something' (such as 'regardless of the cost'), trotzdem specifically carries the sense of 'despite what was just said'.
How does it change in a sentence?
trotzdem functions as an adverb meaning 'despite that' or 'nevertheless'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʁɔtsdeːm/
Did you know?
- The word Trotz can be used to describe a 'Trotzphase', a specific developmental stage in toddlers known in English as the 'terrible twos'.
- The word trotzdem is a combination of the noun Trotz, meaning 'defiance' or 'obstinacy', and the article dem.
- In spoken German, trotzdem is often used as a one-word response to a warning or a reason why something cannot be done, functioning similarly to the English 'still' or 'even so'.
Examples in context
- Ohne Rücksicht auf das Wetter werden wir den Ausflug machen.Regardless of the weather, we will go on the trip.
- Egal, ob wir es schaffen oder nicht, wir sollten es versuchen.Regardless of whether we succeed or not, we should give it a try.
- Ich gehe ins Kino, wie dem auch sei.I'm going to the cinema, regardless.
- Egal was passiert, ich werde dich immer unterstützen.Regardless of what happens, I will always support you.
- Es regnet, aber ich gehe trotzdem spazieren.It is raining, but I am going for a walk regardless.
- Das ist teuer, aber ich kaufe es trotzdem.That is expensive, but I am buying it anyway.
- Ich bin müde, ich mache es trotzdem.I am tired, but I will do it anyway.
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are discussing a hiking trip despite the weather.
- JuliaDas Wetter ist heute wirklich schlecht.The weather is really bad today.
- FelixJa, aber ich möchte trotzdem wandern gehen.Yes, but I want to go hiking anyway.
- JuliaBist du sicher, Felix?Are you sure, Felix?
- FelixJa, ich mache es trotzdem.Yes, I am doing it anyway.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry trotzdem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trotzdem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
