Last updated: 24 juin 2026
Mastering Relative Pronouns: The Complete Guide (Qui, Que, Dont, Lequel)

Mastering Relative Pronouns: The Complete Guide (Qui, Que, Dont, Lequel)
Total Word Count: 1,900+ words
Relative pronouns (Pronoms relatifs) are the glue that creates complex sentences in French. Without them, you sound like a child:
- Bad: "J'ai un ami. Cet ami habite à Paris."
- Good: "J'ai un ami qui habite à Paris."
To reach CLB 7+, you must master:
- Qui (Subject - Who/That)
- Que (Object - That/Which/Whom)
- Dont (Of which/Whose - Replaces "DE")
- Où (Where/When)
- Lequel (Which - After Prepositions)
This guide breaks down each one with rules, examples, and common traps.
Part 1: QUI (Subject)
Usage: Replaces the subject of the relative clause (the person/thing doing the action).
Rule: QUI is followed by a VERB.
Examples:
Part 2: QUE (Object)
Usage: Replaces the direct object of the relative clause (the thing/person receiving the action).
Rule: QUE is followed by a SUBJECT + VERB.
Examples:
Part 3: DONT (Of which / Whose)
Usage: Replaces a complement introduced by DE (of, from, about).
Rule: DONT is followed by SUBJECT + VERB (with NO "de").
Case A: Verbs Followed by DE
Part 4: OÙ (Where / When)
Usage: Replaces a complement of place or time.
Case A: Place
Part 5: LEQUEL (Which - After Prepositions)
Usage: Used after prepositions (à, de, avec, pour, sans, etc.) when referring to things.
Forms:
Part 6: Comparison Table (Quick Reference)
Part 7: Advanced Exercise (Translation)
Translate these into French using relative pronouns:
- "The woman who is speaking is my teacher."
- "La femme qui parle est ma professeure."
- "The book that I bought is expensive."
Conclusion
Relative pronouns are the difference between A2 French and B2+ French.
- QUI = Subject.
- QUE = Object.
- DONT = OF (replaces DE).