If you’re learning French, you may have heard about the subjunctive mood. Often considered one of the trickiest parts of French grammar, the subjunctive can feel overwhelming for beginners. But don’t worry! This guide will simplify the concept and give you practical tips to understand and use the subjunctive with confidence.
In this article, we’ll cover:
1. What the French subjunctive is and when to use it.
2. Common triggers for the subjunctive.
3. Simple conjugation rules and examples.
4. Tips and resources for mastering the subjunctive.
What Is the French Subjunctive for beginners?
The subjunctive is a mood in French grammar, not a tense. It’s used to express:
• Uncertainty or doubt.
• Wishes or desires.
• Emotions or feelings.
• Necessity or obligation.
Unlike the indicative (used for statements of fact), the subjunctive deals with subjective or hypothetical scenarios. For example:
• Indicative: Je sais qu’il vient. (I know he’s coming.)
• Subjunctive: Je veux qu’il vienne. (I want him to come.)
The subjunctive mood is usually introduced by specific phrases or verbs, making it easier to identify.
When to Use the French Subjunctive?
The subjunctive is triggered in specific contexts. Here are the most common ones for beginners:
1. Expressing Wishes and Desires
When you express what you want, wish, or desire, the subjunctive is required.
• Je veux que tu réussisses. (I want you to succeed.)
• Elle souhaite que nous partions tôt. (She wishes we leave early.)
2. Expressing Emotions
When you express how you feel about something, use the subjunctive.
• Je suis heureux que tu sois là. (I’m happy that you’re here.)
• Nous avons peur qu’il parte. (We’re afraid he’ll leave.)
3. After Certain Conjunctions
Conjunctions like bien que (although), avant que (before), and pour que (so that) often require the subjunctive.
• Bien qu’il soit tard, nous restons. (Although it’s late, we’re staying.)
• Je partirai avant qu’il arrive. (I’ll leave before he arrives.)
4. Expressing Doubt or Uncertainty
When you’re unsure or doubtful, the subjunctive is used.
• Je ne pense pas qu’il soit prêt. (I don’t think he’s ready.)
• Il est possible qu’elle vienne. (It’s possible that she’ll come.)
How to Form the French Subjunctive?
The subjunctive may seem complicated, but once you learn the basics of conjugation, it’s manageable.
Step 1: Start with the Present Tense “Ils” Form
To conjugate most verbs in the subjunctive, start with the ils/elles form of the present tense.
• Example: parler → ils parlent
Step 2: Remove the Ending (-ent)
Drop the -ent ending to get the subjunctive stem.
• Example: parlent → parl-
Step 3: Add the Subjunctive Endings
Add the following endings based on the subject:
• Je: -e
• Tu: -es
• Il/Elle/On: -e
• Nous: -ions
• Vous: -iez
• Ils/Elles: -ent
Regular Verb Example: Parler
• Que je parle (That I speak)
• Que tu parles (That you speak)
• Qu’il/elle parle (That he/she speaks)
• Que nous parlions (That we speak)
• Que vous parliez (That you speak)
• Qu’ils/elles parlent (That they speak)
Irregular Verbs
Some verbs have irregular subjunctive forms. Common ones include:
• Être (to be):
• Que je sois, que tu sois, qu’il soit, que nous soyons, que vous soyez, qu’ils soient.
• Avoir (to have):
• Que j’aie, que tu aies, qu’il ait, que nous ayons, que vous ayez, qu’ils aient.
• Aller (to go):
• Que j’aille, que tu ailles, qu’il aille, que nous allions, que vous alliez, qu’ils aillent.
• Faire (to do/make):
• Que je fasse, que tu fasses, qu’il fasse, que nous fassions, que vous fassiez, qu’ils fassent.
Common Phrases Using the Subjunctive
Here are some everyday phrases that beginners can learn:
• Il faut que tu viennes. (You must come.)
• Bien que ce soit difficile, je vais essayer. (Although it’s difficult, I will try.)
• J’aimerais qu’il soit là. (I would like him to be here.)
• C’est dommage que tu partes. (It’s a shame that you’re leaving.)
Tips for Mastering the Subjunctive
1. Memorize Common Triggers
Focus on learning phrases that require the subjunctive, like:
• Il faut que (It’s necessary that)
• Avant que (Before)
• Pour que (So that)
2. Practice with Irregular Verbs
Make flashcards for irregular subjunctive forms like être, avoir, and faire.
3. Use Context
Don’t focus solely on conjugation. Practice using the subjunctive in sentences to understand its function.
4. Practice Speaking
Listen to dialogues or use apps like Duolingo to practice speaking sentences with the subjunctive.
Resources to Learn the Subjunctive
Apps and Websites
• Duolingo: Offers interactive practice with subjunctive sentences.
• Lawless French: Detailed guides and quizzes on grammar.
• Quizlet: Create flashcards for subjunctive phrases.
Books
• Practice Makes Perfect: French Verb Tenses by Trudie Booth.
• Easy French Step-by-Step by Myrna Bell Rochester.
Podcasts
• Coffee Break French offers lessons that touch on grammar topics like the subjunctive.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the French Subjunctive!
Learning the French subjunctive doesn’t have to be intimidating. By understanding the triggers, practicing conjugations, and using simple phrases, you’ll master this essential grammar point in no time. Remember, practice makes perfect!
So, don’t hesitate to use the subjunctive in your conversations. Over time, it will become second nature. Bonne chance!
