Aunque + indicative or subjunctive
B2Grammar path · Lesson 69 of 86 · Stage B2 · The past subjunctive
Aunque lets you mention an obstacle that does not change the outcome. The key is the mood of the verb that follows it. Aunque + indicative presents a fact you know and assert, like 'although': Aunque está cansado, trabaja. Aunque + subjunctive presents something uncertain, or something you treat as irrelevant, like 'even if': Aunque llueva, saldremos. For something unlikely or contrary to fact, use the imperfect subjunctive with the conditional. Do not confuse it with pero: pero opens the contrasting clause that comes second and always takes the indicative.
Practise this lesson · 10 sentences
Form
Aunque + indicativo, oración principalAunque + presente de subjuntivo, presente / futuroAunque + imperfecto de subjuntivo, condicionalAunque + pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo, condicional compuestoWhen to use it
Admitting a known fact
When the speaker knows the fact is true and presents it as information, use the indicative. It works like 'although'.
Something uncertain or irrelevant
Use the present subjunctive for something that may or may not happen, or for a fact the speaker brushes aside as irrelevant. It works like 'even if'.
Unlikely or imaginary situations
Use the imperfect subjunctive when the situation is unlikely or not real; the main clause is usually in the conditional.
Signal words
Don't confuse it with
Frequently asked questions
When does aunque take the subjunctive?
When the situation is uncertain, or when you treat it as irrelevant. If it is a fact you are asserting, use the indicative.
What is the difference between aunque llueve and aunque llueva?
Aunque llueve means it is actually raining and you do it anyway. Aunque llueva means you will do it whether it rains or not.
Can aunque take the subjunctive even with a known fact?
Yes. When the listener already knows it and you want to dismiss it, for example: Aunque seas mi hermano, no te voy a prestar dinero.
When do I use aunque tuviera instead of aunque tenga?
Use aunque tuviera when the situation is unlikely or unreal, with the main clause in the conditional: Aunque tuviera dinero, no lo compraría.
Does a pesar de que follow the same rule as aunque?
Yes. It takes the indicative for facts and the subjunctive for uncertain or dismissed ideas, but it sounds more formal.