It is worth noting that après que (after...) is followed by tenses in the Mode indicatif and NOT in Mode subjonctif!
The reason is very simple: après que introduces an action that definitely happened and therefore requires the Mode indicatif. The Mode subjonctif, on the other hand, is the mood of doubt and uncertainty.
(1)
When the main verb is in Passé composé, après que is followed by Passé composé after I did) or Plus-que-parfait (after I had done) because it expresses a fact that happened BEFORE the moment it is being reported. The choice between the two tenses depends on how far apart the two actions are; Plus-que-parfait marks a longer gap.
(2)
When the main verb is in Présent indicatif, après que is followed by Présent indicatif to express a habit (after they come, they [usually] do that) or by Passé composé when the action happens BEFORE the moment it is being reported (He goes after I've done it).
For other cases, see Quand, lorsque, après que, une fois que + Le Futur Antérieur = 'when, after I've done in the future
Note that many French people mistakenly use Le Subjonctif instead of L'Indicatif after après que!
Note that avant que (i.e. before...) IS followed by Le Subjonctif because of the uncertainty of this action.
See Avant que + ne explétif + Le Subjonctif = Before I do
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Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Nous avons rattrapé notre travail après que nous avons été absents.We caught up on our work after we were absent.
Après qu’ils sont arrivés, ils vont saluer ma mère.After they've arrived, they go and say hello to my mother.
