B2
Relative pronoun dont and complex links
At B2, learners need more than qui, que, and où. French also uses dont when the relative clause depends on de.
Main patterns
- dont replaces a phrase introduced by de: Le livre dont je parle
- It can express possession: la femme dont le fils habite ici
- It can follow verbs and expressions with de: avoir besoin de, parler de, se souvenir de
Watch out
If the missing link belongs to de, do not force que. The relation between the clause and the noun tells you when dont is the right choice.
Try three examples
Example 1
Select the correct relative pronoun in *La personne ___ je me souviens.*
- qui
- que
- dont
- où
Show answer
dont
The person I remember.
Example 2
Possession with de: *L'homme ___ la fille étudie à Lyon est médecin.*
L'homme ___ la fille étudie à Lyon est médecin.
Show answer
dont
The man whose daughter studies in Lyon is a doctor.
Example 3
The book I am talking about: *Le livre ___ je parle.*
Le livre ___ je parle.
Show answer
dont
The book I am talking about.
Practise this lesson
Continue with the interactive exercise set and save your progress.