conjunction
as far as, so much
B1
Means 'as far as' (insofar as) and 'so much'. As subordinating conjunction (often written 'soviel'/'so viel'), it introduces a subordinate clause and requires verb-final German word order. Also used adverbially ('so much') to quantify. Not a prepositional or reflexive verb.
Examples
Der Vater arbeitete so viel, dass die Familie selten Zeit miteinander verbrachte.
The father worked so much that the family rarely spent time together.
So viel ich weiß, beginnt das Meeting um neun.
As far as I know, the meeting starts at nine.
So viel Arbeit habe ich heute nicht erwartet.
I didn't expect so much work today.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture two stacks of boxes: one labelled 'so' and one much bigger labelled 'viel' — showing comparison ('as far as' / 'so much').
Sounds like 'so veal' — imagine saying 'so much' about a big roast veal to remember intensity.
Notes
As a conjunction (often written 'soviel' as one word in some contexts) it introduces clauses meaning 'as far as' or 'to the extent that'. It can also be used adverbially/pronominally ('so viel') to mean 'so much'.