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:

1. Qui (Subject - Who/That)
2. Que (Object - That/Which/Whom)
3. Dont (Of which/Whose - Replaces "DE")
4. Où (Where/When)
5. Lequel (Which - After Prepositions)

This guide breaks down each one with rules, examples, and common traps.

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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:

1. "The woman who is speaking is my teacher."
   • "La femme qui parle est ma professeure."
2. "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).