This is the 2547th most frequent Dutch word.
desondanks
"Despite that" or "nevertheless."
Used as a conjunctive adverb to contrast two clauses where the second action occurs despite the first condition.
Hij voelde zich moe, desondanks ging hij naar de sportschool.
He felt tired, nevertheless he went to the gym.
Here, 'desondanks' introduces a contrast, suggesting the action was taken disregarding the warnings.
Desondanks zijn waarschuwingen, ging ze toch door met het plan.
Despite his warnings, she still went ahead with the plan.
The word highlights the unexpected outcome despite the challenging situation.