Learn French: Il garde ces vieux centimes sous prétexte qu'ils sont rares. - He keeps these old centimes on the pretext that they are rare.

Il garde ces vieux centimes sous prétexte qu'ils sont rares.

He keeps these old centimes on the pretext that they are rare.

Breakdown of Il garde ces vieux centimes sous prétexte qu'ils sont rares.

être

to be

ils

they (masculine/mixed)

this (before a noun)

Questions & Answers about Il garde ces vieux centimes sous prétexte qu'ils sont rares.

Does sous prétexte que trigger the subjunctive since it implies the reason might be fake?

No, it takes the indicative! Even though a "pretext" suggests the speaker doubts the excuse, sous prétexte que simply reports the reason being claimed as a fact in the subject's mind. That's why we use the present indicative sont rather than the subjunctive soient.

What is the exact nuance of using sous prétexte que instead of simply parce que here?

Parce que is a neutral "because." By using sous prétexte que (on the pretext that / claiming that), the speaker is actively casting doubt or judgment on the excuse. It implies: "He claims they are rare, but I think that's just a weak excuse for hoarding them."

Why is it vieux centimes? Doesn't the masculine form change to vieil sometimes?

Vieux describes age, so it follows the rule of going before the noun. You're thinking of the rule where the singular masculine vieux changes to vieil before a vowel sound (like un vieil ami). However, in the plural, it is always vieux for masculine nouns, regardless of the starting letter. Plus, centimes starts with a consonant anyway!

Is centimes specifically referring to the old French franc currency?