Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
Many students dread the French subjunctive, but it’s essential for sounding fluent — the French use it constantly in daily conversation. Instead of long-winded grammatical explanations, this lesson gives you 10 quick sentences you can plug in and start using right away. You’ll hear and see these phrases everywhere — mastering just these will make your French sound instantly more natural.
✅ What is the French subjunctive?
✅ French subjunctive example sentences
✅ Explore the subjunctive in detail
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📘 What is the French subjunctive and when to use it
The French subjunctive is a mood used to express doubt, emotion, desire, or necessity — not facts or certainty. You’ll often see it after expressions like il faut que (it’s necessary that) or je veux que (I want that). The French use it all the time, so it’s important to know.
📝 French subjunctive example sentences
Necessity / Obligation
Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs.
I have to do my homework.
Il faut que je file.
I have to run.
Il faut que tu m’aides.
I need you to help me.
Il faut que j’y aille.
I have to go.
Desire / Wanting
Je veux que tu viennes.
I want you to come.
J’aimerais que tu sois là.
I wish you were here.
Je préfère qu’il fasse la vaisselle.
I prefer that he does the dishes.
Emotion
Je suis content que tu sois là.
I’m happy that you’re here.
Doubt / Uncertainty
Je ne pense pas qu’il soit au courant.
I don’t think he’s aware.
Judgment / Opinion
C’est dommage que tu ne puisses pas venir.
It’s a pity you can’t come.
👉 See also: Il faut — the quintessential French subjunctive expression »
❓ Want to master the French subjunctive?
À Moi Paris (intermediate) — Camille’s course from French Today covers the subjunctive in real, everyday conversations. Hear how native speakers naturally use it and practice along with clear audio dialogues.
👉 Explore À Moi Paris »
👉 Read my review »
French Verb Drills — Need extra help with conjugations? These step-by-step audio drills from Camille guide you through every tense, including the subjunctive.
👉 See Verb Drills »
If you purchase the courses, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
📚 Explore the French subjunctive in detail
Want to go beyond these examples and truly master the subjunctive?
My complete lesson explains how to conjugate it, when (and when not) to use it, plus the most common expressions that require the subjunctive in real French.
👉 Learn more about the French subjunctive mood »
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