Relative pronouns – dont
Key points
- Dont is the equivalent of the relative pronouns of which or whose in English: La fille dont il est le professeur…
- Dont is also used with all expressions introduced by de (like avoir besoin de).
Note
Dont is one of the hardest things to learn about in French, so don't worry if you find it confusing at first, most English-speaking learners do!
Dont is the equivalent of the relative pronouns of which or whose in English:
La fille dont il est le professeur…
The girl whose teacher he is ...
Paul, dont j'ai acheté la voiture,…
Paul, whose car I bought ...
Dont is also used with all expressions introduced by de (like avoir besoin de), even if there is no of in the English equivalent (like to need):
Le livre dont j’ai besoin…
The book I need…
La chose dont je me souviens le plus…
The thing I remember the most …
Le chien dont les enfants ont peur…
The dog the children are afraid of …
L’affaire dont nous parlons…
The matter we’re talking about …