preposition
despite
B1
trotz means 'despite' or 'in spite of'. It's a preposition that standardly governs the genitive (trotz des/der …), though colloquial speech often uses dative (trotz dem). Use only as a preposition; no reflexivity or auxiliary. Formal writing especially in written German prefers genitive constructions.
Examples
Die Konferenz fand trotz schlechten Wetters statt, obwohl viele Redner abgesagt hatten.
The conference took place despite the bad weather, although many speakers had canceled.
Trotz des Regens gingen wir spazieren.
Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
Details
Mnemonics
Visualize someone walking on a wet street despite the rain, shrugging and saying 'trotz!'
Sounds like 'trots' — imagine someone trotting on despite obstacles.
Notes
Standardly governs the genitive (trotz des Wetters). In colloquial speech, dative forms like 'trotz dem' are common.