The Mysteries of French language: The Subjunctive

If you’ve been struggling to learn French and master its many grammatical rules, take heart. You’re in good company. French can be a tricky language to learn, and even French natives make mistakes. There are rules, of course, but there exist so many exceptions that rules usually only apply about….80% of the time. Just when we think we have mastered, say, the order of multiple object pronouns, adverb formation, or how to form a question in French we discover, to our chagrin, a whole slew of exemptions and exclusions. What is a French learner to do?

Case in point: when to use the French subjunctive, le subjonctif? All agree to use the subjunctive after il faut que (it’s necessary that) and il n’est pas clair que (it’s unclear that) to convey obligation and uncertainty, respectively. In other cases, however, the answer is not so clear-cut.

For example, what about il semble que (it seems that) and il est probable que (it’s probable that)? Grammar books would say that while the former expression takes the subjunctive; the latter does not. But ask two native French speakers and you might get two different responses.

Avant que (before doing) and après que (after doing) seem to solicit the same confusion. The first expression is followed by the subjunctive; the secondis not. However, time and time again the subjunctive can be heard after the expression après que, by native French speakers! On French television! Ciel!

To both native speakers and French-learners alike, many of these “rules” seem downright illogical. (Why on earth would the verb “to wish” in French take the subjunctive, but not the verb “to hope”?)

Since we are in the same boat, so to speak (dans le meme sac), perhaps we should simply appreciate this beautiful language for what it is: un mystère, and enjoy the journey.

Besides, you’ll find that the French will very much appreciate your attempts to speak their language, for they know how slippery it can be. And when you find yourself stumped over a certain “rule” in French, you might just look around, grin unashamedly, raise your shoulders and exclaim: C’est français!

You can learn more about subjunctive and various conjugations by reading here.

Christmas is a very special time of year for Francophones around the world. Les marchés de Noël date back to the

Marche Colmar (Alsace)

fourteenth century in Germany, also in what is now known as the German-speaking region of France. The market was first called Le Marché de la Saint Nicolas. As far back as 1434, documentation regarding the Christmas market has been found from King Friedrich II de Saxe. One of the very first of its kind was a “Striezelmarkt” which was named after a dried fruit cake that was sold during this era. Later, during the sixteenth century, a reformation of these markets brought about a change in the market name to “Christkindlmarkt”, or “The Infant Jesus Market”, bringing even more religious reverence to the market’s meaning. These aptly named markets developed in eastern France, particularly in Strasbourg (in Alsace) in 1570.

Given the profound history of these markets, they have become well-known as places to find artisanal treasures, fine food, and festive celebrations. Christmas markets abound throughout France, found in most cities large and small, often on a main street of town or on a central city square. These markets are typically organized by a commune, and they may open as early as the middle of November, running all the way through the beginning of January. In a typical market, visitors may find vendors, Father Christmas, activities for the children and often an evening light show, an illumination of the town or city that takes place around nightfall.

Vin chaud

A typical staple of any good marché is a vin chaud, that hot mulled wine concoction flavored with a bit of orange, cinnamon, star anise and occasionally a bit of ginger. Served in tents or market stands, in shops and restaurants and even street corners throughout France, it is as much a part of the holidays as Père Noël. One can also find those delicious honey-and-spice cakes known by their Alsacian name of lebkuchen, often dipped in chocolate or powdered sugar, another tradition from the northeastern part of France.

Christmas markets are steeped in rich, historical traditions and unusual gift items, giving the visitor a perfect reason to make a December trip to France.

With a week left to go before Christmas, for those of you who are still scratching your heads for ideas for gifts, here are a few suggestions to give a French touch to your Noël.

1. French music: how about the First Lady’s new album? Carla Bruni’s “Comme si de rien n’était” is soft and easy listening, or for a different style, try pop singer ZAZ, (album of the same name) whose sassy original sound has taken France by storm. Both available on Amazon.
2. The best French umbrella made in Cherbourg: Available in different colors and styles, designed to totally protect from wind and rain, made in the Normandy seacoast town that starred in the 1964 film Les Parapluies de Cherboug. www.parapluiedecherbourg.com.
3. Escape to France vicariously every month with the stunning France Calendar 2012. 14 glossy photos of different towns and cities across the country. Days and months in both languages; French school and public holidays noted; forward planner for 2013. www.gbmags.com/calendar.
4. A subscription to France Magazine (www.francemag.com) or France Today (www.francetoday.com) to keep up with French life and style every month; available in both online and in print format.
5. Signature French cocktails: try a French martini made with the incomparable black raspberry liqueur crafted at the Château de la Sistière in the Loire Valley. Mix 15 ml of Chambord, 50 ml vodka, 60 ml fresh pineapple juice. C’est merveilleux! www.chambordonline.com
6. Or try Armagnac, the oldest brandy distilled in France. Originating in the 15^th century, this unique eau de vie is produced through a single distillation of white wine and then left to age in oak barrels. www.armagnac.fr. Mix a Christmas cocktail: 50 ml Blanche d’Armagnac, 1 kiwi, liquidized; 1 TBL spoon honey; 2 spring mint (including stems). Pour over crushed ice, garnished with slice of kiwi. Mmm, c’est si bon!
7. You can’t go wrong with a film starring one of France’s most popular actresses, Audrey Tatou: Venus Beauty Institute (1999); Amélie (2001); Dirty Pretty Things (2002); Priceless (2006); Coco Before Chanel (2009; Beautiful Lies (2011). www.amazon.com.
8. Gift a week’s vacation in the south of France! Reserve time at a private furnished townhouse with sweeping views of the Gorges du Loup near the French Riviera or an apartment in the quintessential Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence. www.greatfrenchrentals.com
9. Alphabet chocolates from St-Rémy-de-Provence. Specialty chocolatier Joël Durand sends you the flavors of Provence—almond, lemon, orange, thyme, rosemary, chestnuts, honey, violets, even olvies—crafted into each letter of the alphabet and six punctuation marks. www.chocolat-durand.com.
10. Any of the delightful gifts available from the boutique of the newly renovated Orsay Museum. www.boutiquesdemusees.fr