Confusing Sometimes when to change the definite article in "avoir besoin de"

Victor L.A2Kwiziq community member

Confusing Sometimes when to change the definite article in "avoir besoin de"

I understand when to use "de" as well as "de l" for vowels, however i also noticed sometimes "du" gets used which is confusing. Came across one of the posts by Tom in the comment section: j'ai besoin de soutien - I need support (general)

J'ai besoin du soutien du gouvernement - I need government support (specific)

How come this is still correct which still contains the word "support" with a different article: j'ai besoin d'un soutien financier and NOT j'ai besoin du soutien financier,

This actually confuses me the most:
j'ai besoin de soutien and NOT j'ai besoin du soutien. Last i checked, le soutien est masculin.



Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Victor,

J'ai besoin de soutien = I need help ( we don't know who from)

J'ai besoin du soutien du gouvernement I need government help

J'ai besoin d'un soutien financier I need financial help

You cannot say -

J'ai besoin du soutien 

as it is an unfinished sentence , some one might ask which help are you in need of ?

I hope this clarifies matters!

Confusing Sometimes when to change the definite article in "avoir besoin de"

I understand when to use "de" as well as "de l" for vowels, however i also noticed sometimes "du" gets used which is confusing. Came across one of the posts by Tom in the comment section: j'ai besoin de soutien - I need support (general)

J'ai besoin du soutien du gouvernement - I need government support (specific)

How come this is still correct which still contains the word "support" with a different article: j'ai besoin d'un soutien financier and NOT j'ai besoin du soutien financier,

This actually confuses me the most:
j'ai besoin de soutien and NOT j'ai besoin du soutien. Last i checked, le soutien est masculin.



Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Getting that for you now...