PrepMyFrench
Last updated: 3 de agosto de 2026
Total Word Count: 1,850+ words
The Subjunctive is the monster under the bed for every French learner. Is it a tense? No, it's a Mood. It doesn't describe facts (Indicative); it describes feelings, doubts, possibilities, and necessities.
"Paul là." (Fact). "Il faut que Paul là." (Necessity/Subjectivity).
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In TEF/TCF, correct use of the Subjunctive is a direct ticket to B2/C1. This guide breaks it down logically.
Example: Parler (Ils parlent)
Example: Finir (Ils finissent)
Observation: For Je/Tu/Il/Ils, it sounds exactly like the Present tense for -ER verbs. This is why you often get it right by accident. But for Nous/Vous, it sounds like the Imparfait (-ions, -iez).
These refuse to follow the rules. They are the most common verbs.
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Use the acronym WEIRDO: Will / Wish Emotion Impersonal Expression Relative Clauses (Target) Doubt / Denial Order / Opinion (Subjective)
When you are looking for something that might not exist.
Always followed by Subjunctive:
TRAP: "Après que" usually takes Indicative, but modern speakers often make the mistake. Stick to Indicative for "Après que" exams if you want to be purist, but Subjunctive is tolerated.
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| Indicative (Fact/Certainty) | Subjunctive (Subjective/Uncertainty) |
|---|---|
| Je pense que (I think) | Je ne pense pas que (I don't think) |
| Il est certain que | Il est possible que |
| Je sais que | Je doute que |
| Il est vrai que | Il est faux que |
| J'espère que (Exceptions!) | Je souhaite que |
Wait... "Espérer que" uses Indicative? YES. "J'espère qu'il viendra." (Future Indicative). It's weird, but Hope acts like a Fact in French grammar.
Conjugate the verb in parenthesis:
"Il faut que tu (aller) ____ au lit."
"Je suis sûr qu'il (être) ____ malade."
"Bien qu'il (faire) ____ froid, je sors."
"Je ne crois pas qu'elles (comprendre) ____."
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To master the Subjunctive:
It's the ultimate test of "French Logic". It's not about reality; it's about how you feel about reality.
