The problems are on the French Subjunctive Advanced worksheet. Try them on your own first, then compare with the answers below.
Quick answer: At B2 the French subjunctive appears after a superlative (le plus, le seul, le premier) when the speaker gives an opinion, in relative clauses about someone or something sought, doubtful or denied, and in sentences that open with que, such as Qu'il pleuve ou non, nous sortons. This answer key corrects the 20 problems of the French B2 worksheet on French subjunctive advanced, from subjunctive forms to flat-share ad: the final answer in bold, the rule behind it, and a model answer for each writing task.
Here is the answer key of the French B2 worksheet on French subjunctive advanced. Try the worksheet first, then compare, and reread the lesson if a rule is unclear.
Level: French B2 (CEFR upper intermediate) · Standards: CEFR B2, Writing
French subjunctive advanced: the answers explained
Problem 1 Subjunctive forms
Use the stem of ils plus the endings, or the irregular stem. a) que je sache · b) que tu puisses · c) qu’il aille · d) que nous fassions
Problem 2 After the superlative
A superlative or a word like seul calls for the subjunctive. a) connaisse · b) aille · c) ayons · d) comprenne
Problem 3 Looking for or finding
A thing only sought takes the subjunctive; a thing you have found takes the indicative. a) soit · b) est · c) sache · d) sait
Problem 4 After a negative
A negative main clause means the thing may not exist. a) sache · b) puisse · c) soit
Problem 5 Que at the start
Opening que is always followed by the subjunctive. a) pleuve … neige · b) entrent · c) commence
Problem 6 Past subjunctive
Subjunctive of avoir or être + participle. a) aie vu · b) soit partie · c) ayons fait
Problem 7 Two translations into French
Use the subjunctive of connaître and pouvoir. a) C’est le meilleur restaurant que je connaisse à Dakar. · b) Elle est la seule qui puisse nous aider.
Problem 8 Combining sentences
The superlative introduces the relative clause. a) C’est le livre le plus passionnant que j’aie lu cette année. · b) Karim est le seul collègue qui puisse m’aider.
Problem 9 Correct the mood
Superlative, search, negative and opening que all need the subjunctive. a) que j’aie visité · b) qui soit assez grande · c) qui sache la réponse · d) Que tu viennes ou non
Problem 10 Subject clause
A subject clause opened by que takes the subjunctive. b) ait
Problem 11 Translating into English
The opening que clause is rendered by whether… or not and may. a) Whether he comes or not, we will start at eight p.m. · b) May the best one win!
Problem 12 Turning a wish into a command
Drop the main clause and keep que + subjunctive. a) Qu’il entre ! · b) Que la fête commence !
Problem 13 Reading: a job ad
The ad states a need, the problem and a candidate. a) An advisor who speaks English and can travel. · b) Nobody has both qualities. · c) Samir.
Problem 14 Last, first, only
Premier and dernier call for the subjunctive. a) ait gagné · b) ait quitté
Problem 15 Two translations into French
Search and negative both call for the subjunctive. a) Je cherche un appartement qui soit calme et lumineux. · b) Je ne connais personne qui ait visité Fort-de-France.
Problem 16 From fact to search
A negative or search turns the clause hypothetical. a) Il n’y a aucun plombier qui puisse venir ce soir. · b) Nous cherchons un traducteur qui sache le japonais.
Problem 17 Participle agreement
The direct object que stands before the participle, so it agrees. a) aie reçue · b) ayons lus
Problem 18 Three mistakes in one text
Superlative, negative and opening que each require the subjunctive. que je connaisse · qui ait cette vue · Qu’il pleuve ou non
Problem 19 Best and only in my city
Model answer: Annecy est la plus belle ville que je connaisse. Le lac est le seul endroit où je puisse nager en ville. C’est le premier parc que j’aie visité en France. C’est le meilleur souvenir que j’aie gardé. Check: four subjunctives, correct agreement.
Problem 20 Flat-share ad
Model answer: Je cherche un colocataire qui soit calme et ordonné. Je ne connais personne qui puisse payer plus de 450 euros. Qu’il fume ou non, il devra respecter l’appartement. Le logement est à Liège, près de la gare. Check: each structure used with the subjunctive.