The Preposition ‘de’ in French: Uses and Practice

Understanding the Preposition de in French

The preposition de is extremely common and versatile in French. It can indicate possession, origin, content, cause, description, and is used after certain verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Here are its main uses:

1. Indicating Possession

de is used to show that something belongs to someone. - Le livre de Marie. (Mary’s book) - La voiture de mon père. (My father’s car)

2. Expressing Origin or Source

de can indicate where someone or something comes from. - Je viens de Paris. (I come from Paris) - Un vin de Bordeaux. (A wine from Bordeaux)

3. Describing Content or Material

de is used to specify what something is made of or contains. - Une tasse de café. (A cup of coffee) - Une statue de bronze. (A bronze statue)

4. After Certain Verbs, Adjectives, and Nouns

Some verbs, adjectives, and nouns require de to introduce their complement. - Parler de quelque chose. (To talk about something) - Être content de… (To be happy about…) - Avoir besoin de… (To need…)

5. Expressing Cause or Reason

de can introduce the cause of a feeling or situation. - Il est fatigué de travailler. (He is tired from working) - Elle pleure de joie. (She cries from joy)

6. Partitive and Quantity

de is used to express an unspecified quantity or after expressions of quantity. - Je veux de l’eau. (I want some water) - Beaucoup de travail. (A lot of work)

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Exercises

1. Complete with de where necessary

Type de in the blank if needed, or leave it blank if not.

1. Le livre Paul.
2. Je viens France.
3. Une tasse thé.
4. Il parle son projet.
5. Beaucoup travail.
6. Un film science-fiction.
7. Elle est fière son fils.
8. Un verre jus.
9. Il a besoin repos.
10. Un ami mon frère.
11. Elle parle ses vacances.
12. Un morceau gâteau.
13. Il est content sa note.
14. Un livre cuisine.
15. Elle est fatiguée marcher.

2. Choose the correct use of de

Select the correct answer for each sentence.

1. Le livre de Paul
   Possession Origin Content Cause

2. Je viens de France
   Possession Origin Content Cause

3. Une tasse de café
   Possession Origin Content Cause

4. Il parle de son projet
   After verb Possession Origin Cause

5. Elle est fière de son fils
   After adjective Content Origin Cause

6. Elle pleure de joie
   Possession Origin Content Cause

7. Beaucoup de travail
   Quantity Possession Content After verb

8. Un ami de mon frère
   Relationship Origin Content Cause

3. Fill in the blanks with your own ideas (using de)

1. Un morceau …
2. Je parle …
3. Elle est fière …
4. Beaucoup …
5. Un film …
6. Il a besoin …
7. Un ami …
8. Elle parle …
9. Un livre …
10. Elle est fatiguée …

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To consolidate your learning

Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) explaining what you have learned about the preposition de in French. Use your own words and, if possible, give an example.