pourtant

Meaning

Says the result is CONTRARY to what the previous sentence led you to expect, with a hint of surprise.

Position and punctuation

at the start of the sentence · a comma after

Example

Le dossier avait été envoyé dans les délais ; pourtant, aucune réponse ne m'est parvenue.

The file had been sent on time; yet no reply has reached me.

In the DELF

the B1 letter · the B2 essay · the B2 oral presentation

The trap

Pourtant carries a SURPRISE that cependant does not: something else was expected. That is what makes it right in a letter of complaint.