What's the grammatical difference between "trotz" und "trotzdem"?

Question

Trotz is usually used as "despite", and "trotzdem" is "nevertheless", but: - What is the grammatical difference? - Where does the verb go for "trotz" and where does it go for "trotzdem"? - Do Germans use either of these when they speak or is it one of the two that you only use when you write? - Do you use a comma with these?

Answer 1

Hello,

Correct: Trotz - Despite. Trotzdem - Nevertheless.

Trotzdem is used as an adverb or as a conjunction.

Trotz is a preposition.

Normally it is used as followed:

Ich gehe trotz Erkältung schwimmen.

Ich bin erkältet. Trotzdem gehe ich schwimmen. or two separate sentences.

Ich bin erkältet, trotzdem gehe ich schwimmen. - as a conjunction.

You use a comma if you use it as a conjunction.