B1-17 · Use wegen, trotz and während with the genitive
Applying for jobs
Follow a fictional application from the first draft to the final submission.
About 5 minutes to read · 12 quiz questions
01
Give a reason with wegen
In this fictional story, Eva applies to a design studio. Wegen introduces a reason. In the written application language practised here, it takes the genitive. Masculine and neuter nouns use des and a noun ending.
Wegen des Umzugs suche ich eine neue Stelle.
Because of the move, I am looking for a new job.
Wegen meiner Erfahrung bewerbe ich mich bei Ihrem Studio.
Because of my experience, I am applying to your studio.
Wegen eines Fehlers überarbeite ich das Anschreiben.
Because of an error, I am revising the cover letter.
Wegen der fehlenden Unterlagen rufe ich Eva an.
Because of the missing documents, I am calling Eva.
Wegen is a preposition followed by a noun phrase, not a clause. You may hear dative forms in conversation; practise the genitive forms here for formal writing.
02
Name an obstacle with trotz
Eva wants the job even though the application takes time. Trotz introduces an obstacle that does not prevent the main action. It also takes a genitive noun phrase in the pattern used here.
Trotz des Zeitdrucks prüft Eva jeden Satz.
Despite the time pressure, Eva checks every sentence.
Trotz einer Absage bewirbt sie sich weiter.
Despite a rejection, she continues applying.
Trotz der langen Wartezeit bleibt Eva ruhig.
Despite the long wait, Eva stays calm.
Trotz der Schwierigkeiten schickt sie die Bewerbung ab.
Despite the difficulties, she sends off the application.
Wegen gives the reason for an action. Trotz names something that might have stopped it. The case forms can look alike, so read the meaning too.
03
Say when with während
Während can introduce a noun phrase meaning during. This differs from während followed by a whole clause. Eva now reports what happened during the application process.
Während des Gesprächs macht Eva Notizen.
During the conversation, Eva takes notes.
Während der Vorbereitung liest sie die Stellenanzeige.
During the preparation, she reads the job advertisement.
Während eines Telefonats fragt Eva nach der Frist.
During a phone call, Eva asks about the deadline.
Während der letzten Tage ergänzt sie ihren Lebenslauf.
During the last few days, she adds to her CV.
Here während is always a preposition with the genitive. A phrase such as während des Gesprächs has no verb of its own.
Ready to try it?
Check what you remember with 12 short questions.
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