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B1 preposition 12 min read

trots

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips trots in 30 Seconds

Explanation trots in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will mostly see 'trots' in very simple, fixed phrases. You might not use it yourself yet, but you will hear it in basic contexts like weather or simple feelings. The most common use at this level is 'trots regnet' (despite the rain). Since A1 focuses on immediate needs and very basic descriptions, 'trots' acts as a simple way to show that one thing didn't stop another. You don't need to worry about complex word order yet; just recognize that 'trots' means something like 'even with'. For example, if a teacher says, 'Vi går ut trots regnet,' you should understand that you are going outside even though it is raining. It's a 'bonus' word at this level that helps you understand common Swedish expressions about the environment. You might also hear 'trots allt' (after all) in very simple conversations where someone is summarizing a day. Think of it as a way to connect two simple ideas where the second one is a bit surprising given the first one. At A1, the goal is recognition and understanding that it functions as a preposition, meaning it comes before a noun. You won't be expected to produce complex sentences with it, but knowing it helps you follow simple stories or news snippets. It is one of those words that makes you sound much more like a native speaker if you can use it in a simple phrase like 'Bra trots allt' (Good despite everything). Always remember that at this stage, 'trots' is followed by a 'thing' (noun), not an action (verb). Keep it simple and use it to describe the weather or basic situations where a plan didn't change even though something happened.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'trots' more actively to describe your daily life and personal experiences. You are now expected to handle the basic prepositional use: 'trots' + noun. For instance, you can say 'Jag gick till jobbet trots förkylningen' (I went to work despite the cold). You are also introduced to the idea that word order changes when you start a sentence with 'trots'. This is a key milestone in A2 grammar. If you say 'Trots kylan...', you must remember to put the verb next: 'Trots kylan drack jag kaffe ute.' You are also beginning to see 'trots att' (despite that / although). While 'trots' + noun is easier, 'trots att' allows you to connect two full ideas. At A2, you should be able to form simple sentences like 'Trots att jag var trött, läste jag boken.' You are learning to express contrast in your own life—describing why you did something even though it was difficult. You might use it in emails to explain situations: 'Jag kommer trots att jag är lite sen.' This level is about building the bridge between simple nouns and more complex thoughts. You are also becoming more familiar with the common phrase 'trots allt' and using it to conclude your thoughts. It adds a level of sophistication to your Swedish that simple words like 'men' (but) cannot provide. You should practice switching between 'men' and 'trots' to see how it changes the feel of your sentences. 'Det regnade men vi gick ut' becomes 'Trots regnet gick vi ut.' This transformation is a classic A2 exercise that helps you master Swedish sentence structure and the V2 rule.

At the B1 level, 'trots' becomes a core part of your vocabulary for expressing opinions and describing events in detail. This is the level where you are expected to use 'trots' and 'trots att' fluently and correctly, especially regarding word order. You should be comfortable with the V2 rule in main clauses following a 'trots' phrase and the BIFF rule (inte before the verb) in 'trots att' subordinate clauses. For example: 'Trots att han inte hade pengar, köpte han en ny bil.' Here, 'inte' is before 'hade' because it's a subordinate clause, and then 'köpte' comes before 'han' in the main clause. This 'double' word order challenge is a hallmark of B1 proficiency. You also start using 'trots' with abstract nouns, not just physical ones like rain or cold. You might talk about 'trots motgångar' (despite setbacks) or 'trots kritik' (despite criticism). This allows you to engage in discussions about work, society, and personal development. You are also expected to distinguish between 'trots', 'fastän', and 'även om'. You understand that 'trots' focuses on the obstacle, while 'även om' often deals with possibilities. At B1, you can use 'trots' to provide nuance in your writing, making your arguments more balanced. If you are writing an essay about the environment, you might write: 'Trots de tekniska framstegen ökar utsläppen.' This shows you can handle professional and academic topics. You are also more aware of the noun form 'trots' (defiance), though you primarily use the preposition. Your ability to use 'trots allt' to summarize complex situations is now a natural part of your speaking style. You are moving away from simple 'but' sentences towards more sophisticated concessive structures.

At the B2 level, your use of 'trots' is nuanced and stylistically varied. You use it not just for clarity, but for emphasis and rhetorical effect. You are fully comfortable with all the grammatical traps associated with the word. You can effortlessly switch between 'trots', 'oavsett', and 'fastän' depending on the tone you want to set. In your writing, you use 'trots' to create complex, multi-layered sentences that reflect a high level of critical thinking. For example: 'Trots att regeringen har infört nya lagar, och trots att medvetenheten hos allmänheten har ökat, ser vi fortfarande ingen betydande förändring.' This level of parallel structure using 'trots' is typical of B2 proficiency. You also begin to recognize and perhaps use more formal alternatives like 'oaktat' in very specific contexts, though you know 'trots' is usually the better choice. You understand the historical and emotional weight of the word—how it can imply a sense of struggle or triumph. You might use it in professional debates to acknowledge an opponent's point before countering it: 'Trots era argument anser jag att...' (Despite your arguments, I believe that...). Your pronunciation is natural, including the slight 's' sound at the end which can sometimes be swallowed by beginners. You also understand the use of 'trots' in idioms and more obscure phrases. At B2, 'trots' is no longer a 'grammar rule' you have to remember; it is a flexible tool you use to shape your Swedish to your personality and professional needs. You are able to read complex Swedish newspapers and literature where 'trots' is used to provide deep context and contrast, and you can explain these nuances to others.

At the C1 level, you have a near-native command of 'trots' and its various functions. You use it with precision in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You are sensitive to the stylistic difference between 'trots' and its synonyms, choosing 'trots' when you want to emphasize the 'defiance' of a fact against an obstacle. Your use of the word is integrated into a broad understanding of Swedish syntax, allowing you to place it within long, complex sentences without ever losing track of the V2 or BIFF rules. You might use the noun 'trots' more frequently in its abstract sense, such as 'i ett utbrott av trots' (in a fit of defiance) or 'i trots mot rådande normer' (in defiance of prevailing norms). You are also able to appreciate the use of 'trots' in classical Swedish literature and can discuss how its usage has evolved or how it contributes to the tone of a text. In professional writing, you use 'trots' to handle delicate contradictions with diplomacy and clarity. You can write reports where 'trots' is used to balance conflicting data points in a way that leads to a logical conclusion. Your spoken Swedish uses 'trots allt' not just as a filler, but as a strategic way to pivot a conversation or conclude a complex argument. You understand the subtle difference in 'flavor' that 'trots' brings compared to 'trots att'—how the prepositional phrase can often feel more immediate and impactful. At C1, you are a master of the concessive structure in Swedish, and 'trots' is one of your most frequently used and most reliable tools for expressing the complexity of the world.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'trots' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You use the word with total spontaneity and perfect grammatical accuracy in any context, from the most casual conversation to the most formal academic or legal discourse. You are aware of the most subtle connotations of the word—how it can imply anything from heroic perseverance to stubborn refusal. You can use 'trots' in highly sophisticated rhetorical structures, such as chiasmus or advanced parallelisms, to create persuasive and beautiful Swedish. You understand the word's place in the history of the Swedish language and can identify its use in archaic texts where its meaning might be slightly different or its syntax more flexible. You are also a master of the noun form, using it to describe psychological states or social movements with deep insight. In your writing, 'trots' is used to create a seamless flow of ideas, connecting disparate facts with elegance. You can use it to express irony, sarcasm, or profound respect. For example, you might use 'trots' to highlight the absurdity of a situation: 'Trots alla sina miljoner lyckades han ändå dö ensam och bortglömd.' You are also able to play with the word, perhaps using it in creative writing to personify obstacles or to create a sense of 'trots' (defiance) in the very rhythm of your prose. At this level, 'trots' is not just a word; it is a part of your linguistic identity in Swedish, allowing you to express the full range of human experience with all its contradictions and triumphs.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

trots in 30 Seconds

Trots is a Swedish preposition meaning 'despite' or 'in spite of', used to show that an action happens regardless of an obstacle.
When followed by a full sentence (clause), it must be paired with 'att' to form the conjunction-like 'trots att'.
Starting a sentence with 'trots' triggers the V2 rule, requiring the verb to come before the subject in the following main clause.
The common phrase 'trots allt' means 'after all' or 'nevertheless' and is used to summarize a situation with a final positive or neutral note.

The Swedish word trots is a powerful and versatile preposition used to express concession, indicating that something happens or is true even though there is an obstacle or a contradictory circumstance. In English, it is most frequently translated as 'in spite of' or 'despite'. To understand trots, one must look at its core essence: it suggests a sense of persistence or an outcome that defies expectations based on the surrounding conditions. For example, if it is raining and you still go for a walk, you are acting trots (in spite of) the rain. This word is fundamental for Swedish learners moving into the B1 level because it allows for more complex sentence structures that move beyond simple cause-and-effect relationships.

Grammatical Role: As a preposition, it typically precedes a noun or a pronoun. However, it is also frequently paired with the subjunction 'att' to form 'trots att', which functions as a conjunction meaning 'although' or 'despite the fact that'.

Historically, the word is related to the noun 'trots', which means defiance or stubbornness. This etymological link is crucial because it colors the preposition with a shade of 'defying' the circumstances. When you use trots, you are highlighting a contrast between a condition and a result.

Vi vann matchen trots det dåliga vädret.

In this example, the bad weather was an obstacle, but the victory happened anyway. People use this word in almost every domain of life—from describing personal perseverance in the face of illness to reporting on economic growth despite a global recession. It is a word of resilience. In formal Swedish, trots is indispensable for academic writing and news reporting, where objective contradictions must be stated clearly. In casual speech, it is often used with 'allt' (everything) to form the common phrase 'trots allt', meaning 'after all' or 'nevertheless'.

Semantic Nuance: Unlike 'fastän' (although), which is purely a conjunction, 'trots' provides a more direct link to a noun phrase, making the sentence punchier and more direct.

Hon fortsatte arbeta trots smärtan.

This sentence highlights the bravery or necessity of the action. Using 'trots' effectively requires understanding that the noun following it is the 'obstacle'. If you want to follow it with a full sentence (subject + verb), you must add 'att'. This distinction is one of the most common hurdles for English speakers, as 'despite' can sometimes feel like it functions both ways in English, but Swedish is more rigid. In summary, trots is the bridge between a challenge and the reality that persists regardless of that challenge. It is used in news, literature, conversation, and technical reports to provide nuance and show the complexity of circumstances.

De hittade vägen hem trots mörkret.

Social Context: Swedes often use 'trots allt' to sum up a situation that had many downsides but ultimately ended acceptably, reflecting a certain pragmatic optimism.

Det var en bra dag trots allt.

Företaget växte trots krisen.

By mastering this word, you unlock the ability to describe the world as it is: full of contradictions and unexpected outcomes.

Using trots correctly in Swedish requires attention to both vocabulary and syntax, specifically word order. As a preposition, 'trots' is followed by a noun or a noun phrase. One of the most important rules to remember is that when 'trots' starts a sentence, it triggers the V2 (verb-second) rule in the main clause that follows. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers because English maintains the subject-verb order in such cases. For instance, in English, we say 'Despite the rain, we went out.' In Swedish, this becomes 'Trots regnet gick vi ut' (Despite the rain, went we out). Notice how 'gick' (the verb) comes before 'vi' (the subject).

Sentence Structure 1: Prepositional Phrase: Structure: Trots + [Noun Phrase], [Verb] + [Subject]... Example: Trots kylan simmade han i sjön.

When trots appears in the middle of a sentence, the word order remains standard.

Han simmade i sjön trots kylan.

This is generally easier for learners. However, the complexity increases when we move to trots att. This is a subjunction, and it introduces a subordinate clause. In Swedish subordinate clauses, the sentence adverb (like 'inte' or 'alltid') usually comes *before* the first verb.

Sentence Structure 2: Subordinate Clause: Structure: Trots att + [Subject] + [Adverb] + [Verb]... Example: Trots att han inte var hungrig, åt han upp allt.

Trots att de hade tränat mycket, förlorade de tävlingen.

Another nuance is using trots as a noun in phrases like 'i trots mot' (in defiance of). This is more formal and literary.

Han agerade i trots mot reglerna.

When using trots to mean 'in spite of', it is important to ensure the noun following it is in its correct form. Usually, it's the definite form because you are referring to a specific obstacle (trots regnet, trots motgångarna).

Common Pattern: Trots Allt: This fixed expression can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. 'Trots allt gick det bra.' or 'Det gick bra trots allt.'

In summary, focus on the V2 rule when starting with 'trots', the 'att' addition when followed by a clause, and the BIFF rule for adverb placement in those clauses. Mastering these three syntactic points will make your use of trots sound natural and grammatically sound.

Trots sin ålder är hon mycket aktiv.

Vi kom fram i tid trots bilköerna.

Practice by transforming 'fastän' sentences into 'trots' sentences to see how the grammar shifts.

You will encounter trots in virtually every corner of Swedish society, but it is particularly prevalent in certain contexts. In the realm of Swedish news and media, trots is used to contrast expectations with reality. Headlines often read like 'Börsen stiger trots oro' (The stock market rises despite concern) or 'Vinst trots förlust av nyckelspelare' (Victory despite loss of key players). It is a staple of journalistic objectivity, allowing reporters to present two conflicting facts in one concise sentence.

Weather Reports: In Sweden, where weather is a constant topic of conversation, you'll hear: 'Det blir soligt trots molnen' (It will be sunny despite the clouds).

In professional settings, trots is used to discuss project management and challenges. A manager might say, 'Projektet blev färdigt i tid trots begränsade resurser' (The project was finished on time despite limited resources). It sounds professional and measured.

Vi lyckades leverera trots tidspressen.

In everyday conversation, Swedes use trots allt as a way to find a silver lining or to concede a point. If someone has had a difficult day but still enjoyed a good meal, they might say, 'Maten var god, trots allt' (The food was good, after all). It acts as a linguistic balancer, acknowledging the bad while focusing on the good. In Swedish literature and music, trots carries a poetic weight. It often appears in lyrics about love and perseverance: 'Jag älskar dig trots dina fel' (I love you despite your faults). It conveys a sense of depth and unconditional acceptance.

Legal and Formal Swedish: In legal documents, 'trots' is used to define exceptions to rules. 'Lagen gäller trots eventuella avtal' (The law applies despite any agreements).

Beslutet fattades trots omfattande protester.

You will also hear it in sports commentary constantly. Swedish commentators love to highlight the 'trots' of a situation: 'De leder matchen trots att de har en spelare utvisad' (They lead the match despite having a player sent off). In academic lectures, professors use it to contrast theories with empirical data: 'Teorin stämmer inte trots de tidiga bevisen' (The theory does not hold despite the early evidence).

Experimentet lyckades trots den låga temperaturen.

Han förstod ingenting trots förklaringen.

Cultural Reflection: The frequent use of 'trots' reflects a Swedish cultural tendency toward realism—acknowledging difficulties rather than ignoring them.

Ultimately, trots is everywhere because life is full of 'despites'. Whether it's the weather, the economy, or personal struggles, Swedes use this word to navigate the complexities of their world.

Even for intermediate learners, trots can be a bit of a trap. The most frequent error is confusing the preposition 'trots' with the conjunction-like 'trots att'. English speakers often want to use 'trots' alone before a full sentence because 'despite' sometimes feels like it can handle it in English (though 'despite the fact that' is the proper English equivalent of 'trots att'). In Swedish, you *must* have 'att' if a subject and verb follow. Saying 'Trots han var sjuk...' is a major grammatical error; it must be 'Trots att han var sjuk...'.

Mistake 1: Missing 'att': Incorrect: Trots det regnade gick vi ut. Correct: Trots att det regnade gick vi ut.

Another very common mistake involves the V2 rule. When you start a sentence with a 'trots' phrase, learners often forget to invert the subject and verb in the main clause.

Incorrect: Trots kylan vi gick ut. Correct: Trots kylan gick vi ut.

A third mistake is the placement of 'inte' in 'trots att' clauses. Because 'trots att' creates a subordinate clause, 'inte' must come before the verb.

Mistake 2: Wrong 'inte' placement: Incorrect: Trots att han kom inte... Correct: Trots att han inte kom...

Learners also sometimes confuse 'trots' (despite) with 'fastän' (although). While they are similar in meaning, 'fastän' is always a conjunction and never takes a noun directly. You cannot say 'fastän regnet'; you must say 'trots regnet'. Conversely, you can say 'fastän det regnade' or 'trots att det regnade'.

Incorrect: Fastän regnet gick vi ut. Correct: Trots regnet gick vi ut.

There is also the risk of confusing 'trots' with 'trött' (tired) or 'tro' (to believe) due to phonetic similarities for non-native ears. 'Han är trots' sounds like 'He is despite', which makes no sense, whereas 'Han är trött' means 'He is tired'.

Mistake 3: Redundancy: Avoid saying 'Trots att... men...'. The 'trots' already establishes the contrast, so 'men' is redundant and grammatically incorrect there.

Incorrect: Trots att han var trött men han jobbade. Correct: Trots att han var trött jobbade han.

Finally, some learners use 'trots' when they actually mean 'oavsett' (regardless). While similar, 'trots' implies an actual obstacle that was overcome, whereas 'oavsett' implies that the condition doesn't matter at all. 'Trots regnet' means it rained and we went anyway. 'Oavsett regnet' means we are going whether it rains or not.

Vi går ut trots regnet. (It is raining now).

Vi går ut oavsett väder. (We don't care what the weather is).

Paying attention to these subtle grammatical and semantic boundaries will elevate your Swedish from basic to proficient.

To truly master trots, you must understand the landscape of Swedish concessive words. The most direct alternative is fastän. While 'trots' is a preposition (needs a noun), 'fastän' is a conjunction (needs a clause). They are often interchangeable in meaning but not in grammar. For example: 'Trots att det regnade' = 'Fastän det regnade'.

Comparison: Trots vs. Fastän: 'Trots' is more versatile because it can take a noun. 'Fastän' is slightly more formal and always introduces a clause.

Another close relative is även om (even if/even though). 'Även om' is used when the condition might be hypothetical or when emphasizing the 'even' part. 'Jag går ut även om det regnar' (I will go out even if it rains).

Hon skulle göra det även om hon var rädd.

Then there is oavsett (regardless of). This is used when the obstacle is irrelevant to the outcome. 'Oavsett resultatet är jag stolt' (Regardless of the result, I am proud). This differs from 'trots' because 'trots' implies the result happened *against the odds* of the obstacle. In more formal or literary Swedish, you might encounter oaktat. It is a direct synonym for 'trots' but is very rare in spoken language. It is mostly found in legal texts or old literature.

Comparison: Trots vs. Oaktat: Use 'trots' 99% of the time. Save 'oaktat' for when you want to sound like a 19th-century lawyer.

For expressing 'nevertheless' or 'anyway' at the end of a sentence, ändå or likväl are used. 'Det regnade, men vi gick ut ändå' (It rained, but we went out anyway). 'Trots allt' is the multi-word equivalent of this.

Det var svårt, men vi klarade det ändå.

Comparison: Trots vs. Trots att: Trots + Noun: Trots febern. Trots att + Clause: Trots att han hade feber.

Han kom till jobbet trots febern.

Han kom till jobbet trots att han hade feber.

Han kom till jobbet fastän han hade feber.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to vary your language and choose the word that fits the grammatical structure of your sentence perfectly. Whether you want the punchy prepositional 'trots', the descriptive 'trots att', or the hypothetical 'även om', you now have the tools to express contrast with precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally described a person's attitude (defiance) before it evolved into a preposition used to describe circumstances (despite).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /trʊts/

US /trʊts/

Single syllable word; the stress is naturally on the entire word.

Rhymes With

lots smuts puts skjuts knuts stuts flots gots

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'hot' (should be more like 'u' in 'put').
Making the 'r' too soft or Americanized.
Failing to pronounce the final 's' clearly.
Confusing the sound with 'tro' (to believe) which has a long 'o' sound.
Confusing with 'trött' (tired) which has a different vowel sound (ö).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text as it often starts sentences or follows a main clause.

Writing 4/5

Difficult due to V2 word order and the choice between 'trots' and 'trots att'.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice to get the flow and the V2 inversion right in real-time.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, though 'trots allt' can be spoken very quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

men regn fastän glad sjuk

Learn Next

oavsett därför eftersom dock emellertid

Advanced

oaktat likväl icke desto mindre trotsighet vedersaka

Grammar to Know

V2 Rule (Verb-Second)

Trots regnet **gick** vi ut. (The verb 'gick' is in the second position).

BIFF Rule (Subordinate clauses)

Trots att vi **inte** såg honom... (The adverb 'inte' comes before the verb 'såg').

Definite Form after Prepositions

Trots regn**et**. (Usually requires the definite form for specific obstacles).

Subjunction 'att'

Trots **att** det var sent... (Required to turn the preposition into a conjunction).

Adverb Placement in Main Clause

Trots allt gick det **faktiskt** bra. (Sentence adverbs like 'faktiskt' follow the verb and subject).

Examples by Level

Vi går ut trots regnet.

We go out despite the rain.

Trots + noun (regnet).

Han är glad trots allt.

He is happy after all.

Fixed phrase 'trots allt'.

Trots kylan leker barnen.

Despite the cold, the children are playing.

V2 rule: verb (leker) before subject (barnen).

Hon sover trots ljudet.

She sleeps despite the noise.

Trots + noun (ljudet).

Bussen kom trots snön.

The bus came despite the snow.

Trots + noun (snön).

Jag äter trots att jag är mätt.

I am eating despite being full.

Trots att + clause.

Det var en bra dag trots allt.

It was a good day after all.

Trots allt at the end of the sentence.

Trots febern vill han leka.

Despite the fever, he wants to play.

Trots + noun (febern).

Trots att det är dyrt köper hon den.

Even though it is expensive, she is buying it.

Trots att + clause. V2 in main clause (köper hon).

Vi hittade huset trots mörkret.

We found the house despite the darkness.

Trots + noun (mörkret).

Han arbetar trots att han är sjuk.

He is working despite being sick.

Trots att + clause.

Trots kylan gick de en promenad.

Despite the cold, they went for a walk.

V2 rule: verb (gick) before subject (de).

Jag förstod trots hans dialekt.

I understood despite his accent.

Trots + noun phrase (hans dialekt).

Trots att vi var sena hann vi med tåget.

Even though we were late, we caught the train.

Trots att + clause. V2 in main clause (hann vi).

De vann matchen trots motgångarna.

They won the match despite the setbacks.

Trots + plural noun (motgångarna).

Trots allt är vi vänner.

After all, we are friends.

Trots allt used as an introductory phrase.

Trots att han inte hade tränat sprang han milen.

Despite not having trained, he ran the 10k.

BIFF rule: 'inte' before 'hade'. V2 rule in main clause.

De fortsatte projektet trots den hårda kritiken.

They continued the project despite the harsh criticism.

Trots + noun phrase with adjective (den hårda kritiken).

Trots sin rädsla vågade hon hoppa.

Despite her fear, she dared to jump.

Trots + possessive pronoun and noun.

Företaget gick med vinst trots krisen i branschen.

The company made a profit despite the crisis in the industry.

Trots + noun (krisen).

Trots att solen sken var det ganska kallt ute.

Even though the sun was shining, it was quite cold outside.

Trots att + clause.

Vi kom fram i tid trots alla förseningar.

We arrived on time despite all the delays.

Trots + plural noun phrase.

Han är en duktig ledare trots sin unga ålder.

He is a good leader despite his young age.

Trots + noun phrase.

Trots att de inte kände varandra hjälptes de åt.

Despite not knowing each other, they helped each other.

BIFF rule and V2 rule applied.

Trots att forskningen är entydig finns det fortfarande skeptiker.

Despite the research being unambiguous, there are still skeptics.

Abstract noun and formal tone.

Han genomförde resan trots de enorma riskerna.

He carried out the journey despite the enormous risks.

Trots + plural noun with adjective.

Trots att han är en offentlig person värnar han om sitt privatliv.

Despite being a public figure, he guards his private life.

Trots att + clause with complex subject.

Ekonomin återhämtade sig trots de pessimistiska prognoserna.

The economy recovered despite the pessimistic forecasts.

Trots + plural noun phrase.

Trots att hon inte hade någon erfarenhet fick hon jobbet.

Despite not having any experience, she got the job.

BIFF rule in subordinate clause.

De lyckades bevara freden trots de ökade spänningarna.

They managed to preserve peace despite the increased tensions.

Political/formal context.

Trots allt elände finns det hopp för framtiden.

Despite all the misery, there is hope for the future.

Trots + abstract noun.

Han behöll lugnet trots att situationen var kaotisk.

He remained calm despite the situation being chaotic.

Trots att + clause.

Trots att de strukturella problemen kvarstår, ser vi en positiv trend.

Despite the structural problems remaining, we see a positive trend.

Formal academic/business Swedish.

Han agerade i trots mot de etablerade konventionerna.

He acted in defiance of established conventions.

Noun use: 'i trots mot'.

Trots att författaren är kontroversiell är hans inflytande obestridligt.

Despite the author being controversial, his influence is undeniable.

Literary analysis context.

Beslutet fattades trots omfattande protester från lokalbefolkningen.

The decision was made despite extensive protests from the local population.

Formal administrative language.

Trots att resultaten var tvetydiga valde man att publicera studien.

Despite the results being ambiguous, they chose to publish the study.

Academic context.

Hon behöll sin integritet trots den enorma pressen från media.

She maintained her integrity despite the enormous pressure from the media.

Abstract noun usage.

Trots att marknaden mättats lyckades de lansera en ny produkt.

Despite the market being saturated, they managed to launch a new product.

Business strategy context.

Han fortsatte sin forskning i trots mot alla varningar.

He continued his research in defiance of all warnings.

Noun use 'i trots mot'.

Trots att den ontologiska debatten rasar, måste vi fatta ett praktiskt beslut.

Despite the ontological debate raging, we must make a practical decision.

High-level philosophical context.

Diktens skönhet ligger i dess förmåga att beröra trots sin enkelhet.

The poem's beauty lies in its ability to touch [the reader] despite its simplicity.

Literary criticism.

Trots att de geopolitiska spänningarna har nått en kulmen, fortsätter dialogen.

Despite geopolitical tensions reaching a peak, dialogue continues.

Advanced international relations vocabulary.

Han navigerade skickligt genom de juridiska snåren trots deras komplexitet.

He skillfully navigated through the legal thickets despite their complexity.

Metaphorical and formal language.

Trots att han var djupt rotad i traditionen, var han en banbrytare.

Despite being deeply rooted in tradition, he was a pioneer.

Sophisticated character description.

Samhället utvecklas trots de reaktionära krafternas motstånd.

Society develops despite the resistance of reactionary forces.

Sociological discourse.

Trots att bevisningen var bristfällig dömdes han i folkets ögon.

Despite the evidence being flawed, he was judged in the eyes of the people.

Legal and social commentary.

Hennes röst bar fram budskapet med kraft trots dess sprödhet.

Her voice carried the message with power despite its brittleness.

Poetic and descriptive.

Common Collocations

trots allt

trots motgångar

trots regnet

trots kylan

trots kritik

trots varningar

trots sin ålder

trots smärtan

trots bristen på

trots motstånd

Common Phrases

Trots allt.

— After all; nevertheless. Used to summarize that something turned out okay despite issues.

Det var en lyckad fest trots allt.

I trots mot.

— In defiance of. Used when someone breaks a rule or convention intentionally.

Han gjorde det i trots mot sin fars vilja.

Trots att...

— Despite the fact that... Used to introduce a clause.

Trots att han är rik är han olycklig.

Trots det.

— Despite that. Used to refer back to a previously mentioned obstacle.

Det var svårt, men trots det vann vi.

Trots regn och rusk.

— Despite rain and bad weather. A common way to describe persistence in Swedish weather.

Vi cyklade trots regn och rusk.

Trots risken.

— Despite the risk. Used when someone takes a chance.

Han hoppade trots risken.

Trots felet.

— Despite the error. Used when something works even with a flaw.

Maskinen fungerar trots felet.

Trots mörkret.

— Despite the darkness. Often used in stories or when describing late-night activities.

De såg stjärnorna trots mörkret.

Trots sin blyghet.

— Despite their shyness. Used to describe someone overcoming a personality trait.

Hon höll tal trots sin blyghet.

Trots tidsbrist.

— Despite lack of time. Very common in work contexts.

Vi blev klara trots tidsbrist.

Often Confused With

trots vs trött

English speakers often confuse the sounds. 'Trött' means tired, 'trots' means despite.

trots vs tro

The verb 'tro' (to believe) sounds similar but has a long 'o' and no 'ts'.

trots vs trots (noun)

The preposition comes from the noun meaning 'defiance'. Context usually makes it clear.

Idioms & Expressions

"trots allt"

— When all is said and done; nevertheless.

Det är trots allt vårt hem.

neutral

"i trots mot ödet"

— Defying fate; struggling against one's destiny.

Han kämpade vidare i trots mot ödet.

literary

"trots regn och solsken"

— In all conditions; no matter what happens.

Vi ses varje måndag trots regn och solsken.

informal

"visa trots"

— To show defiance or to be rebellious.

Barnet visade trots mot sina föräldrar.

neutral

"i trots mot reglerna"

— In open defiance of the rules.

Han parkerade där i trots mot reglerna.

neutral

"en trotsig blick"

— A defiant look in one's eyes.

Hon gav honom en trotsig blick.

neutral

"trots alla odds"

— Against all odds (loan translation from English, but common).

De överlevde trots alla odds.

neutral

"trotsa väder och vind"

— To brave the elements (weather and wind).

Fiskarna trotsar väder och vind varje dag.

poetic

"i trotsig anda"

— In a spirit of defiance.

De röstade nej i en trotsig anda.

formal

"trots allt elände"

— Despite all the misery/trouble.

Vi skrattade trots allt elände.

informal

Easily Confused

trots vs fastän

Both mean although/despite.

'Trots' is a preposition (takes a noun), 'fastän' is a conjunction (takes a clause). You can use 'trots att' as a synonym for 'fastän'.

Trots regnet (Correct). Fastän regnet (Incorrect).

trots vs oavsett

Both show a lack of impact from a condition.

'Trots' implies the condition happened and was an obstacle. 'Oavsett' implies the condition doesn't matter or hasn't happened yet.

Vi gick ut trots regnet (It rained). Vi går ut oavsett väder (We don't care if it rains).

trots vs även om

Both translate to 'even though'.

'Även om' is often hypothetical (even if). 'Trots att' is usually about something that is definitely true.

Jag älskar dig även om du är arg. (Even if you get angry).

trots vs likväl

Both mean 'nevertheless'.

'Likväl' is much more formal and usually acts as a sentence adverb rather than a preposition.

Han var trött men kom likväl.

trots vs ändå

Both express 'anyway'.

'Ändå' is an adverb and usually comes at the end or middle of a clause. 'Trots' must precede its noun.

Han kom ändå. Trots sjukdomen kom han.

Sentence Patterns

Trots [Noun].

Trots regnet.

Trots [Noun], [Verb] [Subject].

Trots kylan gick vi ut.

Trots att [Subject] [Verb].

Trots att han var sjuk.

Trots att [Subject] inte [Verb].

Trots att hon inte kom.

[Main Clause] trots [Noun Phrase].

Vi vann matchen trots den hårda kritiken.

I trots mot [Noun].

Han agerade i trots mot reglerna.

[Main Clause], trots allt.

Det var en bra dag trots allt.

Trots att [Clause], och trots att [Clause], [Main Clause].

Trots att han är gammal, och trots att han är trött, arbetar han.

Word Family

Nouns

trots (defiance)

trotsighet (defiantness)

trotsålder (the 'terrible twos' or defiant age)

Verbs

trotsa (to defy, to brave)

Adjectives

trotsig (defiant, stubborn)

motstånd

envetenhet

oaktat

fastän

även

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Swedish.

Common Mistakes

Trots det regnade gick vi ut. → Trots att det regnade gick vi ut.
You cannot use 'trots' alone before a clause; you must use 'trots att'.
Trots kylan vi stannade hemma. → Trots kylan stannade vi hemma.
Starting with 'Trots kylan' requires the verb (stannade) to come before the subject (vi).
Trots att han inte kom men vi var glada. → Trots att han inte kom var vi glada.
Don't use 'men' when you have already used 'trots att' to show contrast.
Trots han är trött arbetar han. → Trots att han är trött arbetar han.
Missing the 'att' before a clause with a subject (han).
Fastän regnet gick vi ut. → Trots regnet gick vi ut.
'Fastän' is a conjunction and cannot be followed directly by a noun. Use 'trots' for nouns.

Tips

The 'Trots att' Rule

Always add 'att' if you are following 'trots' with a subject and a verb. Think of it as 'despite the fact that'.

The V2 Inversion

If 'Trots...' starts your sentence, the very next word should be your verb. 'Trots regnet **gick** vi...'

Noun vs Preposition

Remember that 'trots' can also be a noun. 'Ett trots' is rare, but 'i trots mot' is a common formal phrase.

Trots allt

Use 'trots allt' to sound more like a native when you want to say 'anyway' or 'after all' at the end of a story.

Short Vowel

Don't stretch the 'o'. It's a quick, short sound. If you make it long, it sounds like 'tro' (believe).

Professional Nuance

In reports, use 'trots' to acknowledge a problem while still presenting a positive result. It shows balance.

Trots vs Oavsett

Use 'trots' for real obstacles that happened. Use 'oavsett' for things that don't matter either way.

No 'men' needed

Never use 'trots' and 'men' in the same sentence to contrast the same two things. It's redundant.

Weather talk

Master 'trots regnet' and 'trots kylan' and you can participate in 50% of Swedish small talk.

Stubborn 'S'

The 's' at the end of 'trots' is like a hiss of defiance. Use it to remember the meaning 'despite'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Trots' as 'Treading' on an obstacle. You are 'Treading' over the 'ts' (troubles).

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking through a heavy storm (the obstacle) but their destination is bright. The word 'trots' is the bridge they are walking on.

Word Web

trots trotsa trotsig trots allt trots att oavsett fastän även om

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your day using 'trots regnet', 'trots att jag var trött', and 'trots allt'.

Word Origin

From Old Swedish 'trotz', which was borrowed from Middle Low German 'trot'.

Original meaning: Originally a noun meaning 'defiance', 'scorn', or 'stubbornness'.

Germanic (borrowed from Low German into Scandinavian).

Cultural Context

The word is neutral, but the noun form 'trots' can imply a negative stubbornness if applied to an adult in a professional setting.

English speakers often use 'despite' and 'in spite of' interchangeably, just as Swedes use 'trots'. However, English speakers must be careful not to forget the 'att' in Swedish when introducing a clause.

The term 'trotsålder' is ubiquitous in Swedish parenting books and child psychology. Swedish news headlines constantly use 'Trots' to frame economic and political stories. Pop songs like those by Håkan Hellström often use 'trots' to describe love against the odds.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

trots regnet
trots snön
trots kylan
trots blåsten

Health

trots sjukdomen
trots febern
trots att jag är trött
trots smärtan

Business

trots krisen
trots kritiken
trots tidsbrist
trots budgeten

Sports

trots förlusten
trots skadan
trots motståndet
trots att de låg under

Daily Life

trots allt
trots att vi var sena
trots mörkret
trots att det var dyrt

Conversation Starters

"Vad har du gjort idag trots att du var trött?"

"Har du någonsin rest någonstans trots dåligt väder?"

"Vad tycker du är bäst med Sverige, trots kylan?"

"Har du lyckats med något nyligen trots stora utmaningar?"

"Vilken mat gillar du trots att den luktar illa?"

Journal Prompts

Skriv om en gång när du lyckades med något trots att alla sa att det var omöjligt.

Beskriv en vacker dag i naturen trots att vädret inte var perfekt.

Reflektera över vad som gör dig lycklig trots de problem som finns i världen idag.

Skriv om en person du beundrar trots deras brister.

Hur har du förändrats som person trots, eller tack vare, dina motgångar?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Use 'trots' when you have a noun following it, like 'trots regnet'. Use 'fastän' when you have a full sentence (subject and verb) following it, like 'fastän det regnade'. If you really want to use 'trots' with a sentence, you must add 'att': 'trots att det regnade'.

No, it is very flexible. You can say 'Trots allt gick det bra', 'Det gick trots allt bra', or 'Det gick bra trots allt'. The meaning remains 'after all' or 'nevertheless' in all positions.

This is due to the Swedish V2 (verb-second) rule. In a main clause, the verb must always be the second element. If the first element is a prepositional phrase like 'Trots regnet', the verb must come immediately after it, before the subject.

Yes, but you need a subject. For example, 'Trots att jag inte...' In a subordinate clause (bisats), the word 'inte' must come before the first verb. This is called the BIFF rule.

It is neutral. It is used in everything from very formal legal texts and news reports to casual everyday conversations and children's stories.

It literally means 'defiance age'. It refers to the developmental stage in children (usually around age 2-3 and again in the teens) where they become very stubborn and defiant towards their parents.

Not directly. You cannot say 'trots trött'. You must say 'trots tröttheten' (noun) or 'trots att jag är trött' (clause).

'Trots' is the preposition (despite) or the noun (defiance). 'Trotsa' is the verb meaning 'to defy' or 'to brave'. For example: 'Han trotsade stormen' (He braved the storm).

Yes, they mean the same thing, but 'oaktat' is extremely formal and rarely used in spoken Swedish today. You will mostly find it in old books or legal documents.

It is a short 'o' sound, which in Swedish sounds more like the 'u' in the English word 'put'. It is not an open 'o' like in 'hot'.