How to Use 'Dont' vs 'Duquel' Correctly for Perfect Grammar Checks
How to Use 'Dont' vs 'Duquel' Correctly for Perfect Grammar Checks
Published: March 17, 2026 | Category: Grammar | Read Time: 12 Mins
Relative pronouns (Qui, Que, Dont, Où) exist to combine two sentences or ideas without repeating nouns. Among these, the pronouns Dont and Duquel (and its variations de laquelle, desquels) are often confused by intermediate and advanced candidates alike.
For B2/C1 levels (TEF/TCF), examiners actively test these pronouns in Reading sections and reward them heavily in Writing. Here is the rule to tell them apart with absolute certainty.
1. The Golden Rule: The Preposition 'De'
Both Dont and Duquel are used to replace the preposition De.
- The difference lies in how the preposition De is attached to the verb or noun.
2. When to use DONT (Simple Verbs with 'De')
Use Dont when you are using a standard verb or phrase that naturally triggers the preposition de.
- Parler de (To speak about)
- Avoir besoin de (To need)
- Avoir envie de (To want)
- Être fier de (To be proud of)
The Formula:
If the verb trigger is simply [Verb] + de, the answer is Dont.
- Sentence 1: C'est le livre.
- Sentence 2: Je t'ai parlé de ce livre.
- With Dont: "C'est le livre dont je t'ai parlé." (That’s the book I was speaking to you about.)
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3. When to use DUQUEL (Compound Prepositions with 'De')
Use Duquel (or de laquelle, desquels, desquelles) when the trigger is a compound preposition—a phrase that includes de alongside a location or direction.
- À côté de (Next to)
- À cause de (Because of)
- Au sujet de (Regarding)
- Au milieu de (In the middle of)
The Formula:
If the trigger is a compound phrase ending in de, you must use [Preposition] + duquel.
- Sentence 1: C'est l'arbre.
- Sentence 2: Je suis assis à côté de l'arbre.
- With Duquel: "C'est l'arbre à côté duquel je suis assis." (That’s the tree next to which I am sitting.)
🚨 Category Overview: Matching Gender and Number
Unlike Dont (which is invariable), Duquel changes based on the noun it replaces:
| Singular Masculine | Singular Feminine | Plural Masculine | Plural Feminine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duquel | De laquelle | Desquels | Desquelles |
- Example (Feminine): "C'est la maison à côté de laquelle j'habite."
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Summary for Exam Day
Before writing or ticking an answer in a reading test, find the base verb:
- Is it just de? -> Use Dont. (L'homme dont il parlait...)
- Is it à côté de / au sujet de? -> Use Duquel. (Le problème au sujet duquel nous débattons...)
Using Duquel correctly shows an advanced (C1) understanding of French syntax structures.
At PrepMyFrench.com, our Grammar Diagnostic isolators provide targeted worksheets for relative pronouns to ensure you never guess between dont and duquel again.