An obstacle may be real or hypothetical
Even a strong obstacle can leave a plan unchanged. The connector alone does not always establish whether the condition is already true. Read the surrounding situation and keep the finite verb at the end of the concessive clause.
Selbst wenn es schneit, fahren wir.
Even if it snows, we will travel.
Locate the degree word
In a degree construction, so belongs with an adjective or adverb in the main clause. Sodass, also spelled so dass as a consequence connector, introduces a result directly. A result is different from an intended purpose.
Sie spricht so leise, dass ich nichts verstehe.
She speaks so quietly that I cannot understand anything.
Excessive degree blocks an outcome
The construction with zu ... als dass commonly uses Konjunktiv II for the blocked possibility. Its logic matters more than a word-for-word translation: the degree is too great for the outcome to be feasible. A shorter rewrite must preserve who would act.
Die Aufgabe ist zu schwer, als dass Nora sie allein lösen könnte.
The task is too hard for Nora to solve alone.
Practise this pattern
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References
Original explanations and examples informed by grammar references. Level placement is an editorial teaching choice.