Subjunctive After 'Aunque'

The choice between the indicative and the subjunctive mood after aunque (although, even though, even if) depends entirely on the speaker's perception of the information.

The Main Rule: Fact vs. Hypothesis

Aunque + Indicative = A Known Fact

Use the indicative when the clause after aunque states something the speaker considers a fact, a known reality, or a confirmed experience.

It translates to "even though" or "although."

• Example: Aunque está lloviendo, saldremos a caminar. (Even though it is raining [we know this for a fact], we will go out for a walk.)

Here, the rain is a present reality, an accepted fact. The action in the main clause happens despite this fact.

Aunque + Subjunctive = A Hypothesis or Irrelevance

Use the subjunctive when the clause after aunque expresses something that is hypothetical, uncertain, unconfirmed, or simply unimportant to the speaker. The speaker does not know if it's true, or doesn't care.

It translates to "even if."

• Example: Aunque esté lloviendo, saldremos a caminar. (Even if it rains [I don't know if it will, but it doesn't matter], we will go out for a walk.)

Here, the possibility of rain is a future hypothesis, not a current fact. The plan to walk stands regardless of this potential event.