In French, certain adjectives change their meanings depending on whether they appear before or after the noun. This is the case for the adjective "dernier".
The French adjective dernier changes meaning according to its position
As an adjective, dernier agrees in gender and number with the noun it refers to.
1. Using dernier/dernière with time phrases
- To express last = previous
When last + [time phrase] means previous, dernier(s)/dernière(s) is placed after the noun.
- To express last = final
Pendant la dernière semaine de mes exams, je suis tombé malade.During the final week of my exams, I got sick.
When last + [time phrase] means final, dernier(s)/dernière(s) is placed before the noun.
See also Prochain/Dernier = Next/Last + [durations] in French.
2. Using dernier/dernière + [noun]
With non time-related nouns, dernier is not used to express previous, only final or latest. Therefore, it always comes before the noun.
Les dernières hirondelles sont parties au début de l'automne.The last swallows left at the beginning of Fall.
Il est en train de lire le dernier chapitre de ton roman.He is reading the last chapter of your novel.
3. Special case of la fois dernière / la dernière fois = (the) last time
- To express last time (previous)
When last time is used on its own, you can use either la fois dernière or la dernière fois interchangeably in French.
BUT
When last time is followed by a clause (last time I saw you), you can only use la dernière fois, never la fois dernière.
- To express the last time (final)
You always use la dernière fois.
See also:
Ancien = former/old (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position)
Cher= dear/expensive (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position)
Certain = specific / sure in French (adjectives that change meaning according to position)
Propre = own/clean (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position)
Vrai = real/true (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position)
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Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Pendant la dernière semaine de mes exams, je suis tombé malade.During the final week of my exams, I got sick.
Les derniers jours de l'année sont toujours plus courts.The last days of the year are always shorter.
Tu étais encore avec Stéphane la dernière fois que je t'ai vue.You were still with Stéphane last time I saw you.
Prends-moi sur tes épaules ! -D'accord, mais c'est la dernière fois.Take me on your shoulders! -OK, but this is the last time.
Les dernières hirondelles sont parties au début de l'automne.The last swallows left at the beginning of Fall.
