Bien que · la concession
1 · Acknowledge an obstacle
State a circumstance, then an outcome that contrasts with the expectation it creates.
Bien que Nora soit fatiguée, elle termine son dessin.Although Nora is tired, she finishes her drawing.
Bien que le trajet soit court, nous partons tôt.Although the journey is short, we are leaving early.
2 · Keep a subject and a subjunctive verb
In the basic pattern, bien que introduces a clause: la salle is the subject and soit is the verb.
Bien que la salle soit petite, elle est confortable.Although the room is small, it is comfortable.
3 · Match the subject inside the clause
Choose the subjunctive form from the subject immediately after bien que. The main clause has its own subject.
Bien que tu sois prêt, nous attendons encore.Although you are ready, we are still waiting.
Bien que les fenêtres soient fermées, on entend la circulation.Although the windows are closed, you can hear the traffic.
4 · Elide before a vowel
Elide que before il, elle or on. Keep the two words bien qu’ separate.
Bien qu’il fasse froid, nous sortons.Although it is cold, we are going out.
Bien qu’elle ait peu de temps, elle nous aide.Although she has little time, she is helping us.
5 · Move the concession
Place it first with a comma, or put it after the main clause. Its subject and subjunctive verb stay together.
Bien que le résultat soit incertain, nous continuons.Although the outcome is uncertain, we are continuing.
Nous continuons, bien que le résultat soit incertain.We are continuing, although the outcome is uncertain.
6 · Choose a different frame when needed
Malgré takes a noun phrase in this pattern. Même si takes the indicative. Compare these three ways to describe a rainy outing.
Bien qu’il pleuve, nous sortons.Although it is raining, we are going out.
Malgré la pluie, nous sortons.Despite the rain, we are going out.
Même s’il pleut, nous sortons.Even though it is raining, we are going out.