The present subjunctive

Kurz erklärt

The subjonctif présent is used in a clause introduced by que when the main clause expresses ideas such as necessity, wishes, emotion, or doubt. It does not usually describe time by itself: it presents an action or situation through the speaker’s attitude rather than as a simple fact.

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Use que + the subjunctive form. For most verbs, take the ils form of the present indicative, remove -ent, and add -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent. The nous and vous forms often use the stem of the present indicative nous form. Common irregular forms include être: sois, soit, soyons, soyez, soient; avoir: aie, ait, ayons, ayez, aient; faire: fasse; and aller: aille.

Verwendung

• After expressions of necessity or judgment: il faut que, il est important que.
• After wishes and preferences: vouloir que, préférer que.
• After emotions: être content que, avoir peur que.
• After doubt or uncertainty: douter que, il est possible que.

Beispiele

• Il faut que tu finisses ce travail aujourd’hui. — You need to finish this work today.
• Je veux que nous partions tôt demain. — I want us to leave early tomorrow.
• Elle est contente que vous soyez ici. — She is happy that you are here.

Typischer Fehler

❌ Il faut que tu fais attention.

✅ Il faut que tu fasses attention.

English often uses an ordinary verb form after expressions like ‘it is necessary that’, but French requires the subjunctive after il faut que.

Merke

Look for the speaker’s attitude in the main clause. After common triggers such as il faut que and vouloir que, use the subjunctive in the que-clause.