The Relative Pronoun "dont"
In French, many verbs and expressions are followed by the preposition de, such as parler de (to speak about) and avoir besoin de (to need).
When a relative clause uses one of these expressions, you cannot use the standard words for "that" or "which" (qui or que). Instead, use the relative pronoun dont ("of which" or "about whom"). Because dont replaces the de phrase, do not add de to the end of the clause.
| It is the director I often speak about. | C'est le réalisateur dont je parle souvent. |
| You will be able to see the documentary that we need. | Tu pourras voir le documentaire dont nous avons besoin. |
More Expressions with "de"
This rule applies to any verb or phrase that requires de, including these common expressions:
- rêver de (to dream of)
- avoir envie de (to want)
- avoir peur de (to be afraid of)
- être fier de (to be proud of)
Whenever the action in your relative clause relies on one of these phrases, use dont to connect it to the noun you are describing.
| She is the actress every director dreams of. | C'est l'actrice dont chaque réalisateur rêve. |
| Here is the ending the director is very proud of. | Voici la fin dont le réalisateur est très fier. |
| I am telling you the plot you want. | Je te raconte l'intrigue dont tu as envie. |
| The ending my brother is afraid of will be sad. | La fin dont mon frère a peur sera triste. |
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