Question 1

Why do we use duquel in this sentence instead of just lequel?

Accepted Answer

Duquel is a mandatory contraction of the preposition de and the relative pronoun lequel. The phrase used here is à la fin de (at the end of). Because the pronoun refers back to le congrès (a masculine singular noun), we use lequel. When de and lequel meet, they combine into duquel.

Question 2

Doesn't the pronoun dont also mean "of which"? Why can't we use it here?

Accepted Answer

This is a very common trap! While dont does replace de + a noun, you cannot use it when the de is part of a compound prepositional phrase like à la fin de (at the end of), à côté de (next to), or près de (near). After these multi-word prepositions, you must use duquel, de laquelle, desquels, or desquelles.

Question 3

Why is it au congrès and not just le congrès?

Accepted Answer

This happens because of the verb. In French, "to be interested in" is s'intéresser à. It always requires the preposition à. Since congrès is masculine singular (le congrès), the preposition à and the article le contract to form au.

Question 4

Does congrès mean the same thing as the political "Congress" in English?

Accepted Answer

It can refer to a political legislature, but in everyday French, congrès is very commonly used to mean a "convention", "conference", or "symposium". In this context, the writer is likely interested in an academic or professional gathering.

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