Choosing subjects in infinitive clauses

Kurz erklärt

A French infinitive has no stated grammatical subject of its own in most constructions. Its understood subject is usually the subject or object of the main verb. If the intended subject changes and the main verb cannot assign it, French normally uses que followed by a finite verb instead.

Bildung

same subject: subject + main verb + infinitive; object-controlled: verb + object + de/à + infinitive; different independent subject: que + subject + finite verb

Verwendung

• Use the infinitive when its action is performed by the main-clause subject.
• With verbs such as demander or conseiller, the object identifies who performs the infinitive.
• Use a finite que-clause when another subject must be stated independently.
• After perception verbs, a noun or pronoun can directly identify the infinitive’s subject.

Beispiele

• Avant de partir, Léa a fermé les fenêtres. — Before leaving, Léa closed the windows.
• Je lui ai demandé de fermer la porte. — I asked him to close the door.
• Je veux que tu viennes avec nous. — I want you to come with us.
• J’ai entendu Paul rentrer. — I heard Paul come home.

Typischer Fehler

❌ Je veux toi venir.

✅ Je veux que tu viennes.

Unlike English want + object + infinitive, French vouloir requires a que-clause when the second verb has a different subject.

Merke

First identify who performs the infinitive. If that person cannot be understood from the main subject or object, use a finite clause.